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The
End of the Clipper 07/08 Race
THE Clipper Challenge vessels
returned to Liverpool, on Saturday, 5 July 2008, after an epic
journey. The ten identically built clippers left Liverpool last
September (2007), with their multinational crews comprising
a mix of highly experienced crew and raw recruits, to complete a
voyage in 6 legs, which would take them around the world. Most of
the crew members, (total 17 per clipper), however, did a number of
the legs only, so more people were able to share an unique
experience.
Firstly to La Rochelle, then past the Canary Islands, progressing to
Salvador de Bahia. Thence via the South Atlantic below the Cape of
Good Hope to Durban. From Africa their adventures led them to
Fremantle in Australia. Around these coasts waves may be encountered
that are higher than buildings! Leg 4 was onwards to Singapore and
then to Qingdao. Beyond China, they continued to the warmth of
Hawaii and then to the West Coast of North America, Panama and
Jamaica. Homeward bound, the last leg comprised 4 races, Jamaica to
New York, then up to Halifax, Nova Scotia, back across the Atlantic
to Cork and finally to Liverpool, where eager families and relatives
awaited their arrival. Enthusiastic crowds witnessed their triumphal
return to the Mersey and watched the separate race, the 08 Dash,
from Crosby to the finishing line at the saluting base. This last
race was won by the clipper, Nova Scotia.
Throughout, we experienced bewildering assortment of weather, from
cloudy to bright sunshine and, as if specially ordered for dramatic
effect; thunder, lightning and torrential rain, right at the crucial
moment of the sail past. The crowds, which had flocked to welcome
the crews back, remained stoically in position or returned very
quickly to their places at the riverside once the deluge abated.
Before the arrival of the boats, the senior orchestra of the
Saturday Music School assembled and gallantly managed a few well
executed pieces before the assembled dignitaries, until they were
twice forced to flee, with their precious instruments, for cover
from the lashing rain.
The gun salute was fired by gunners from 103 Regiment, Royal
Artillery, based in Aigburth. They were ably assisted by young
James
Riley, from Formby. James had previously helped when the clippers
departed last September, having been recruited in Alder Hey Children
Hospital, whilst recuperating from having his appendix removed. Also
present were his parents and younger brother, Sam. Amongst the
dignitaries attending was the Mayor of Hull, Cllr. Elaine Gallano,
who spoke of her delight that her city has been chosen as the next
venue for the Clipper Challenge. The clipper named Hull and Humber
had come second overall, in this year's race and she felt confident
for next year. We wish them well as the next host.
The clippers were escorted in their sail past from upriver by
tugboat, Brocklebank, Royal Naval vessels Royal Navy warships HMS
Grimsby, HMS Puncher and HMS Blazer, Commodore John Madgwick, Naval
Regional Commander for Northern England, said:- “The Round the
World Yacht race is an important event in Liverpool’s maritime
calendar, so we where delighted to be able to support it in such a
practical way.” Also the Mersey ferries gave chase down the
river, with one of the ferries even going out towards the Mersey Bar
to greet them. In the Mersey where an assortment of yachts, pleasure
craft and small boats, flanking the fleet as they made their way to
the entrance to Canning half tide Dock.
Liverpool08 led them in, with the remaining rest in order of their
final positions. They were greeted on entry, by a fanfare played by
4 trumpeters of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, resplendent in
their red uniforms.
Winners overall were, first, New York, then Hull and Humber and
third, Glasgow. Then came Nova Scotia, Liverpool, Qingdao, Durban,
Singapore, Western Australia and Jamaica. The clippers remained in
for a while allowing the crowds time to appreciate their details at
close range, before entering the Albert Dock in reverse order. Each
clipper circled the dock before taking their final mooring where
they were presented with their trophies by the Mayor of Liverpool
and his Mayoress,Cllr. Steve Rotheram.
The brother of a crew member commented that it must have cost
something like £1 a mile to participate but the sailors themselves
seem united in declaring the experience life changing and enhancing.
Final comments from Sir Robin Knox Johnson, who has sailed single-handed around the world himself and has played a vital role in
developing this challenge:- "This has been the best clipper
race so far" (13 years since inception) and, with obvious
delight at a successful mission, "just look at them (the crew
members), all of them exuding confidence". Earlier, he had
commented how soon individuals had to learn essential skills to
enable them to work as a team as survival depends on it. A valuable
lesson and one some businesses could well learn from. It was a
grand day for us as spectators, but it is easy to appreciate the
hard work that must be involved and the degree of dedication, even
if we are not familiar with the demands and dangers and rewards of
such a venture. There is a serious message......
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