London, United Kingdom, March 28th 2006: The Caribbean island of Jamaica has agreed to host the Clipper fleet for the end of Leg Six of the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race. The revised route, changed after the Clipper fleet were delayed in the Philippines, has moved the Caribbean stopover from Curacao to Jamaica to take advantage of more favourable winds and a better route through the Caribbean at the onset of the hurricane season.
The Jamaican High Commissioner in London said she could see the benefit to Port Antonio and Jamaica of the association with the Clipper Race: “We are very pleased that the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be visiting Jamaica on their return back to the UK. Jamaica has very strong historic and trading links with many of the countries represented in the Clipper Race and the visit will be an excellent opportunity to promote the special qualities that attract so many people to our island. We look forward to giving the Clipper crews and their families a very warm Jamaican welcome.”
Port Antonio on the North East corner of Jamaica, around 2 hours from Kingston, has warmly received the news that the Clipper fleet will be paying the historic island a visit in mid June 2006.
William Tatham, Vice President of Cruise Shipping & Marina Operations at the Port Authority of Jamaica was also delighted to be welcoming the Clipper fleet, commenting: “The Clipper Race yachts will be berthed at the super-yacht marina at Port Antonio which has recently undergone major modification. Located in an idyllic position on the north east coast of Jamaica the marina is at a crossroads in the Caribbean and a natural place for transiting yachts as well as those who wish to cruise the beautiful coastline. The Clipper Fleet will add to the increasing list of distinguished yachts that are discovering this well equipped and modern marina; we look forward to their visit.”
Clipper Ventures Chairman and first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “I have been immensely impressed with the enthusiastic and quick response from Jamaica to host the Clipper Race visit and I am sure it will prove to be very popular visit and great fun.”
The fleet is due to arrive in Jamaica from Panama City on June 14th and stay for six days before it departs for New York, USA on June 20th. During this stopover the fleet can expect a truly Jamaican welcome in a part of the island that Errol Flynn once said was more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen. With the Blue Mountains, the Blue Lagoon and world famous jerk chicken and jerk pork in its original home, the Clipper crew are in for a treat this June.
For more information, press releases and images please contact:
Russ Jefferys
Press Officer
Fast Track
02075935200
07834687108
[email protected]
Anna Wardley
Head of Media and PR
Clipper Ventures
+ 63 9182544077
[email protected]
