Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Continues to Grow with Swiss Entry

Swiss Sailing has signed on as a Team Partner of the 2013-14 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, becoming the first participant from the nation.

Switzerland will be allocated one of the fleet of twelve brand new matched Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts, owned and operated by race operators Clipper Ventures, each of which is sponsored by a destination, business or organisation to carry their name around the world.

President of Swiss Sailing, Vincent Hagin said he was ‘proud’ that Switzerland would be the first participant from inland Europe and added: “I would urge potential partners to support this initiative, be it with sponsorship or money and to use this unique occasion to show the world all that Switzerland has to offer.”

Clipper Race continues to grow

Jonathan Levy, Director of Business Development at Clipper Ventures told iSportconnect that the addition of the Swiss team highlighted the growth of the race.

“The Clipper Race is continuing to grow with a new fleet of 12 boats debuting for the next race with the plan to add more over the next four editions through to 2020,” said Levy.

“The Swiss entry demonstrates the growing interest in the race from even more countries and organisations.

“A combination of the new fleet and the high profile the event is achieving is creating strong demand to participate as yacht sponsors and host ports.”

Legacy building

Legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston set-up the Clipper Race said he was ‘delighted’ to welcome Swiss Sailing to the race and hoped it would ‘build a new legacy of participation within the sport in Switzerland.’

Sir Robin added: “We hope that people from across Switzerland will get behind the team, support them as they race around the world later this year and even be inspired to take on the challenge of the Clipper Race.”

During the race Switzerland will also carry the logo of Mercy Ships, the hospital ship charity which provides free surgery and medical care.