Clipper Ventures Plc has announced the appointment of Jonathan Bailey,40, as Clipper Race Director, starting this May. Jonathan was the Skipper of the 3rd placed New York Clipper in the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race. After the race finished, he was lead skipper at the Velux 5 Oceans start in Bilbao.

Jonathan takes over from outgoing Race Director, Tim Hedges. Tim joined Clipper in 1998, skippering Chrysolite Clipper into third place in the Clipper 98-99 Round the World Yacht Race. He went on to become Assistant Race Director in 2000 and then Race Director in 2003 and is leaving the company to pursue new challenges.

Commenting on Tim’s departure, Clipper Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said:
‘Tim has been closely involved with the Clipper Race for the best part of ten years after skippering Chrysolite in the 98-99 Race. I am very sorry to lose him but am sure Jonathan will pick up where Tim left off and make sure the sixth Clipper Race is a massive success.’

The Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race starts on 16 September 2007.  

Picture: Jonathan Bailey and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston