A round-the-world sailing race is to include a stopover in Breaking Bad territory: the area of the world which is now well-known through the smash hit drama about a middle-aged cancer sufferer who becomes a drug warlord. But the Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race hopes that the middle-aged folk who stop in Cozumel, Mexico will be inspired to crew yachts rather than cook meth!

Cozumel, situated off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is already a popular stop for cruise liners and will provide the Clipper Race crews with an exotic respite on their 40,000 mile journey around the world.

Known for its seaside resorts, scuba diving and snorkelling in the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, nautical and archaeological tourism, Cozumel and the Quintana Roo region are looking to export their brand to the world.

The partnership with the Clipper Race has been spearheaded by Governor of Quintana Roo, Roberto Borge Angulo as he looks to grow the reputation of his region as a venue for both tourism and business.

Cozumel will be the only Mexican stop on the Clipper 13-14 Race and will be the first time that the race has visited Mexico, with crews arriving on Leg 7 after transiting through the Panama Canal on their way to New York.

It is hoped that the agreement will build on ties between the UK and Quintana Roo, securing a higher profile in the UK tourism market and to open up valuable trade links; it is anticipated that this will provide a welcome economic boost as well as putting Cozumel in front of the eyes of the European market and other destinations that the Clipper Race visits on its journey around the world. The ultimate goal for both parties is to work with organisations in Qintana Roo and throughout Mexico towards securing a yacht entry in the Clipper Race.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-9. It is unique in that it trains twelve teams of amateurs to take on the challenge of a lifetime, a global ocean race, each under the guidance of a professional skipper, allowing ordinary people to achieve something extraordinary.

Clipper Race founder Sir Robin said: “We are pleased to be able to announce Cozumel as one of our host ports for the Clipper 13-14 Race. We are sure that our crew will enjoy all that this destination has to offer and we are looking forward to forging stronger links with the Quintana Roo region. The Clipper Race has a track record of boosting tourism for its host ports and destination sponsors.”