The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will stop in France for the first time during the 07-08 edition of the race. The stopover in La Rochelle from 19-23 September coincides with Le Grand Pavois, one of the world’s largest floating international boat shows and the ten-strong Clipper fleet will add their presence to the event.

Each of the yachts in the Clipper 07-08 Race is sponsored by an international city or territory, among them Glasgow, Singapore, Western Australia and Qingdao, the venue for the sailing events of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

There is still time to apply to take part in the Clipper 07-08 Race. It sets off from Liverpool on 16 September 2007 and will last ten months, covering 35,000 miles and calling into 14 ports en route. The race is divided into seven legs and crew can choose to complete the whole circumnavigation or compete on one or more of the legs. Age is no barrier to taking part, the only stipulation being competitors must be over 18. There is no upper age limit.