Sheila McHale

Sheila McHale

Minister for Disability Services; Tourism; Culture and the Arts; Consumer Protection

    Festive fever hits Fremantle as Clipper Race yachts head to WA

    12/12/2007 4:21 PM
     
    12/12/07

    Fremantle will come alive with Clipper fever this Christmas with the arrival this week of competitors in the 35,000 nautical mile Clipper International Yacht Race.

    Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the 10 yachts taking part in the 2007-08 race were expected to arrive in Fremantle around December 16 and stopover for two weeks.

    “The yachts will be berthed at Fremantle Sailing Club, right on the doorstep of Fremantle’s lively cafe, restaurant, shopping and nightlife scene,” Ms McHale said.

    “We are looking forward to welcoming the hundreds of international crew members, their families and friends who will enjoy a fantastic Christmas in Western Australia.

    “Clipper teams represent the United Kingdom, Scotland, United States, South Africa, Singapore, Jamaica and Nova Scotia.”

    The Minister said WA’s sponsored yacht, westernaustralia2011.com, which won the event last year, was doing a fantastic job in the Southern Ocean conditions and was moving up the rankings.

    The WA yacht has former Fremantle Docker and life member, James Walker, on board.

    “The exciting race re-start takes place at Fremantle Harbour on January 1 and I encourage people to come down to see the spectacle from Victoria Quay, North Mole and along the beach,” Ms McHale said.

    “Fremantle is the only Australian host port in the 10-month race and it is a great economic boost that the crews and families are staying over the festive season.

    “The last Clipper stop-over in Fremantle generated more than $1.5million in direct expenditure - not to mention the boat’s role as a travelling advertisement for our tourism industry.

    “The Carpenter Government is investing in our State’s tourism industry and enhancing WA’s unique lifestyle.”

    Clipper Ventures is currently recruiting for the next edition of the race, Clipper 09-10. More information on visiting the yachts and becoming a crew member is available from Crew Recruitment Manager David Cusworth by emailing oceanracer@clipperroundtheworld.com.

    For the latest positions, news, videos and podcasts and for more information about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, visit http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

    High resolution images are available free for editorial use by registering at the Clipper 07-08 Image Gallery: http://www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0708_race/

    Minister's office - 9213 6900