Clipper Ventures plc, race organisers of the Times Clipper, have announced that the city of New York, USA, has confirmed an entry in the highly competitive, amateur crewed, Clipper 2002 Round The World Yacht Race.

New York, which has become the 8th and final city to have an entry in the Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht race, will join an already prestigious international line up of cities that have been enticed by this race’s global sponsorship and worldwide trade opportunities, including: Liverpool (England), Hong Kong (China), Bristol (England), Glasgow (Scotland), Jersey (Channel Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and London (England).

On behalf of the city of New York, Commissioner Podziba of the New York Sports Commission, issued this statement:- “New York is honoured to have a yacht named after the city in this Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht Race. This is a real opportunity to promote all these famous cities and strengthen the ties between them. I wish you an exciting race, and will look forward to welcoming all the crews to New York City in August 2003.”

With the international line up complete, Clipper Ventures have released the few remaining crew berths for the Clipper 2002 race. Applications are welcome from budding sailors, men or women from all walks of life are encouraged to take the challenge of a lifetime, to compete in individual legs or the whole circumnavigation. No previous sailing experience is necessary, as each crewmember will undertake a rigorous training schedule before the start of the event in October under the careful guidance of professional skippers.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world and Chairman of Clipper Ventures plc, is thrilled with this exciting development – “I must express my personal delight at New York entering our Clipper 2002 event. Opportunities for ordinary people to sail in a round the world yacht race and achieve the extraordinary are few and far between. This race is specifically designed for the amateur and total novice sailor to compete on the world’s toughest stage. We would welcome New Yorkers and indeed all Americans to take up this challenge and crew onboard the New York Clipper.”

Councillor Mike Storey, leader of Liverpool City Council, said, “New York will give the Clipper race an even bigger global presence and we are sure that the city’s crew will receive a rousing reception around the world, especially at the start and finish here in Liverpool. For over 300 years the two cities have enjoyed a unique relationship culminating in Liverpool’s decision to confer the freedom of Liverpool on the city of New York following the events of September 11, 2001. We can look forward to the race bringing the two cities even closer together.”