The Clipper Round the World Race has agreed deals with BBC Worldwide and 1080 Media TV that will see the launch of two new major television series.
BBC Worldwide will distribute the shows, which will be produced by 1080 Media TV. The shows are currently in production and were launched by BBC Worldwide at Sportel Monaco this week.
One of the shows will be a topical sports show, that will capture the thrills and spills of the unique 40,000 mile event. The other will follow the unfolding human drama as novices grow into seasoned sailors as they tackle some of the toughest conditions on the planet.
The 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Race is the largest to date, with a bigger fleet than ever before and record numbers of crew from all ages and walks of life. It begin at Tower Bridge in London on 1 September and will not return until July 2014. The Race was established by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who became the first person to sail solo around the world in 1968-9.
Jonathan Levy, Global Business and Communications Director for Clipper Ventures plc, said: “The Clipper Race is a unique event which engages both specialist sports and mass market audiences, with broad international appeal.
“We have developed a more segmented approach and appointed 1080 Media TV as our host broadcast partner with BBC Worldwide leading on global distribution.”
Danny O’Toole, Head of Sport and Sport Entertainment at BBC Worldwide, added: “The Clipper Race has been rapidly growing its international audience and we hope to see the two new series build on this success. It’s an exciting global event and with so many interesting people from all walks of life competing, there’s also a compelling human drama. I’m confident it will appeal to our clients.”
As well as the two new series, 1080 Media TV will also produce a range of news, features and live content that will supplement Clipper Race press resources, social media and live streams.
Cliff Webb, CEO of 1080 Media TV, commented: “We are very pleased to have been appointed as the official host broadcast partner of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
“We have developed a very strong multiplatform approach to maximise traditional broadcast and new digital media opportunities for a wide range of rights holders. This is an extremely exciting project, both in terms of compelling content and new technology opportunities.”