LIVERPOOL TRIUMPHS AGAIN

 

Photographs on above by Patrick Trollope

ANYONE familiar with the approach to Liverpool from the sea on a bright, sunny day will also recognise the perfect silhouette of Liverpool architecture, on the horizon as the journey end and a great setting for the homecoming of the Liverpool clipper.

Thousands turned out in glorious weather to welcome home the clippers from the arduous global journey of eleven months to congratulate their achievement after such an eventful epic that saw hurricanes, SARS and the challenges of the sea.

Eight clippers entered the final leg of the race on Friday 29 September from Holyhead, North Wales and the clipper Jersey clinched the race by just 2 points from City of Bristol and in third place our City of Liverpool which buzzed ecstatically with a vibrant atmosphere.

The exultant crews were escorted by HMS Biter and HMS Edinburgh as they raced toward the final finishing line supported by a flotilla that accompanied a fire-boat, assorted rigs, various small craft and ferries. 

Each clipper received a gun salute as it reached the first line from a gun manned by the Territorial Army's 103 Royal Artillery Volunteers from Aigburth Rd, Liverpool; the salute being fired by Sgt Nolan. Cadets from Merchant Taylor's School Combined cadet Force were also in attendance.

Yachts and their escorts entered Canning Dock and the Albert Dock giving a chance for thousands more to cheer them in - accompanied by fireworks from the Canning Dock side. 

They were moored there until Tuesday to complete their final leg of the journey to Southampton where the race will begin in two months time for the next set of crews.

Race director Colin de Mowbray said:- "The happy end of this major project" which had involved 'good racing' had been good for all the cities taking part". He added that he had "never seen such a good reception as what had happen in Liverpool.   A brilliant place to bring a race and end one."

City of Liverpool's skipper Adam Kyffin from Wallasey talked of an amazing eleven months and of a brilliant experience. He was pleased with the third place and became "quite emotional" sailing up the Mersey today. 

Prize giving took place on the podium in the Albert Dock when the winner received a magnificent Waterford crystal 'Times' Millennium Trophy in the form of a clipper. In the evening, a celebratory party for the crew and a thousand guests was held in St George's Hall.

Liverpool Clipper 2002 / 2003 Race photos...  34 pages!

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