The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was conceived in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and together with William Ward, founded Clipper Ventures, a company that would run the race. The first race set off a year later on 16 October 1996. The event gives paying amateur crew members the chance to sail around the world. The organizers own a fleet of identical yachts, and provide qualified skippers to lead each team. Crew can either sign up for the whole race, or one or more legs. In contrast to the slightly older Global Challenge, the Clipper race uses lighter, faster boats and the route follows the prevailing currents and winds.
The race ran every two years between 1996 and 2002, and then skipped a year, with subsequent races beginning in 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011. A race is planned for 2013.
Teams compete for the Times Clipper 2000 trophy, made of lead crystal.
Read more about Clipper Round The World Yacht Race: Origins of The Name 'Clipper', Crews, Routes, Sponsorship, Publicity, The Times Clipper 2000 Race, Clipper 09–10 Race, Clipper 11-12 Race
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—Milan Kundera (b. 1929)
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