The island country of Jamaica will be represented for the first time in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race. They will be competing with their 68-foot namesake yacht, Jamaica, skippered by race veteran Simon Bradley. In the Times Clipper 2000 race, Bradley sailed aboard the winning yacht Bristol.
Jamaica has a long history of welcoming yachtsmen, and in 2006 they hosted a visit by the Clipper race fleet. In May 2008 the yacht Jamaica and the rest of the fleet will once again visit Port Antonio before setting out on leg seven of the race, bound for New York.
The Jamaican High Commissioner, His Excellency Burchell Whiteman and Jamaica Tourist Board Regional Director Elizabeth Fox are both enthusiastic supporters of the race and hope that the yacht Jamaica’s participation will inspire others to visit the island.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and is sailed by non-professional crews from all walks of life. The 10 internationally-backed yachts participating in the 2007/2008 race are named for cities and nations around the globe and their crews will serve as ambassadors during the 35,000-mile circumnavigation. The fleet departed Liverpool, England September 16, 2007, for the first leg of the race.
