Sheila McHale

Sheila McHale

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

    First Clipper yachts race into Fremantle

    17/12/2007 11:54 AM
     
    17/12/07

    The first yachts in the arduous 35,000 nautical mile Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race have arrived in Fremantle.

    Durban 2010 and Beyond crossed the Fremantle finish line at 7.32pm on December 15, closely followed by the home team westernaustralia2011.com just two and a half hours later at 10.02 pm.

    westernaustralia2011.com’s skipper Martin Silk said he was disappointed that they were unable to overtake the South African team at the end but pleased that they had achieved their first podium position of the Clipper 07-08 Race into their home port.

    “It was a lot closer than I thought it would be,” Martin said.

    “A couple of days ago I never thought we’d get that close to first place. It would have been great to win in our home port, but Durban 2010 and Beyond did a great job. Fremantle sounds like a great place and I’m looking forward to spending some time in Western Australia.”

    Tourism Minister Sheila McHale welcomed the skippers and crew to WA for a two-week festive season stopover.

    The Minister said the remaining eight Clipper yachts would cross the finish line at various stages over the next few days.

    “I know all Western Australians will join me in extending a warm welcome to the 200 international crew members, their families and friends,” she said.

    “I am in awe at the skills and tenacity required to take part in such an amazing 10-month adventure.”

    Ms McHale said the first yacht to arrive was welcomed at Fremantle Sailing Club with an Aussie BBQ, ice-cold beer and plenty of music.

    The Minister said the official race re-start would take place at 2pm on New Year’s Day but people would be able to see the yachts sailing in Fremantle’s Inner Harbour at Victoria Quay from about midday.

    “I urge people to turn out for what will be a great spectacle, with the best vantage points at Victoria Quay and along city beaches,” she said.

    “The race is a great economic boost for the State, with the last Fremantle Clipper stop-over generating more than $1.5million in direct expenditure.

    “WA’s yacht, westernaustralia2011.com, also acted as a travelling advertisement for our tourism industry throughout the 10-month race.

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

    The Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race for non-professional sailors. Clipper Ventures is currently recruiting for the next edition of the Race, Clipper 09-10.

    For more information on visiting the yachts and becoming a crew member email contact crew recruitment manager David Cusworth between Dec 16 and January 1, 2008 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.clipperoundtheworld.com

    Minister's office - 9213 6900