Fittingly, it was 55 years ago on April 22, 1969, that Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, legendary sailor and founder of the Clipper Race, won the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, becoming the first person to single-hand circumnavigate non-stop around the planet. Considered one of the greatest feats of human history, Sir Robin continues to champion the Clipper Race and is the driving force behind its success. (View Documentary)
Washington, DC is the next stop of the USA Coast to Coast Leg 7. Scheduled for mid-June, the 11 boats will dock at The Wharf in the nation's capital for celebrations and festivities before sailing down the Potomac and out Chesapeake Bay for the final journey home to Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Sustainability
Sailing is a sustainable sport, lifestyle, and pastime. The increasing collective awareness of the impact we humans have on our planet prompts many of us to respect the extents of our activities. This ethos is evident in the commitment of the Clipper Around the World Race organization, its sponsors, and crews who embrace best practices for sustainability. Circumnavigating the globe on wind power alone is certainly a statement to that end.
On the yachts themselves, at the host ports and stopovers, and even at their headquarters, the reduction of single-use plastics, elimination of paper products where possible, and opting for environmentally friendly cleaning products are part of the mission.
"As a responsible business, with the oceans at the heart of our existence, we are committed to operating with a minimal impact on the environment."
On the water amidst the challenges of racing, the eleven race crews have a unique first-hand perspective on the world's oceans and the life they hold. Each boat carries a state-of-the-art HD fixed camera system to capture the action. And they open a window to us, their audience and supporters, to share the experience of traveling through blue water environments that most of us will never see.
In January, the Clipper Race crews were able to take a break and see coral and sea life up close. As part of their stopover in Airlie Beach, the crews were treated (courtesy of Coral Sea Marina and Wings Sailing Charters) with a cruise on a luxury catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Eighteen crew members took the opportunity to snorkel, paddleboard, and kayak in the crystal blue waters of the Whitsundays as a relaxing and welcomed change to the hardships of ocean racing.
When the Clipper Race arrives in Washington DC this summer at The Wharf, they'll be visiting a place designed and constructed as a sustainable neighborhood and a resilient and lasting waterfront community. The Wharf, located on the Southwest Waterfront of DC, is the recent renaissance of a neighborhood with a long and storied past. The Municipal Fish Market, which opened in 1805, is the oldest continuously operating open-air fish market in the United States. The Wharf is designed to achieve Gold certification for LEED Neighborhood Development and meets or exceeds numerous local and national standards for sustainability.
Plan to visit and spend an afternoon or a weekend on Washington's waterfront as Waterway Guide Media, Events DC, and the Clipper Around the World Race celebrate the achievements and commitment of participants, sponsors, and crews. Mark your calendar for mid-June and follow the race and schedule here.
Important Links
Ports of Call to Date and Final Leg and Map
Follow the Race boats with the Race Viewer
Take a Tour of a Boat (virtual)
Sail Magazine: Sailing the Clipper Race
Prior Coverage
Clipper Round the World Race Headed to D.C.
5306 Nautical Miles to Seattle
Clipper Race Boats South of the Aleutian Islands
Sources
- 4,000 Marinas
- Thousands of anchorages
- Updated Charts
- Mile-by-Mile Navigation
- Highlighted Alerts & Cautions
- Full-Color Aerial Photographs
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