A little bit about the race:

Conceived in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who in 1969 became the first person to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation in his yacht Suhaili, this is still the only race that allows amateurs to race round the world.

Takes place every two years, with a new fleet of 12 identical 70 foot yachts having been commissioned for the last race.

Each yacht has a professional skipper, and 20 amateur crew, of varying experience and backgrounds, but all trained by Clipper over four one-week courses to meet the standards required for such a gruelling race.

40 000 miles                 3 Capes and 1 Canal

8 legs, 14 races         220 days at sea

13 ports            400 crew