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We’ve been tracking their movements for months and now, for the first-time ever, the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), race organizers, and sailing enthusiasts around the world will welcome a fleet of eleven identical 70-foot ocean racing yachts, accompanied by extraordinary crews to Bermuda for The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race on June 13 – 19, 2022 at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
More than 150 Race Crew from diverse walks of life, all age groups and more than 22 nations will be arriving on the island. Included in the fleet is our very own GoToBermuda yacht which has braved an awe-inspiring 35,000 nautical miles and four ocean crossings so far, along with the other vessels. Flying the Bermuda flag high as it birthed in many ports during the race, GoToBermuda made its first podium appearance, taking third place in Race 11: Seattle Pacific Challenge from Seattle to Panama. After an exceptionally close contest, with a nail-biting wait over the final days for the results, GoToBermuda finished behind Punta del Este in second and Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam in first.
On board the Clipper 70 ocean racing yacht, competing with his team was Matt Stephens, Bermuda Race Crew Ambassador. Many will continue with the marathon ocean race of more than 40,000-nautical miles, with new crew also joining the yachts in Hamilton for the next leg of the race.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Clipper Fleet to Bermuda for the first time. This is an extraordinary competition challenging everyday people to test their limits in an adventure of a lifetime.
We look forward to hosting the hundreds of crew, their family members, and visiting friends and we invite all of Bermuda to enjoy the slate of BTA-Clipper activities available this week.“
Ms. Berkeley added, “I would like to salute Matt Stephens, Bermuda Ambassador, and participant in the Seattle to Panama leg for representing Bermuda aboard the GoToBermuda vessel and showcasing our island’s famed hospitality..”
Clipper Race Founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox Johnston said: “For the first time on the Clipper Race, the fleet will be sailing into Bermuda. As an island steeped in sailing and racing history, it will be fantastic to see the boats sail into the prestigious Royal Bermuda Yacht Club- I’m sure they will receive a warm and well-deserved island welcome.
“Working with the Bermuda Tourism Authority has been nothing short of exceptional- their professionalism, hospitality and helpfulness has been brilliant, and I’d like to thank them for their support and partnership. The stopover will be an excellent experience for the crew and their supporters, and the programme of events will provide locals and tourists with the opportunity to see the boats, meet the crew and learn about the race.”
There will be plenty of free activities taking place while these incredible yachts are in port. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening over the course of the week.
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