Clipper Round the World Yacht Race returns to Liverpool with a spectacular finale event

Are you ready for another sensational parade on the River Mersey?

One of the biggest round the world yacht races will return to the city on Saturday 28 July 2018 with a sprint finish which will determine the sought-after podium places for one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. The dramatic climax of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will take place on the River Mersey, in front of the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, from 10am, and once all the team yachts have crossed the finish line, they’ll take part in a magnificent parade of sail along the waterfront.

The fleet will include Liverpool’s very own yacht Liverpool 2018 which, thanks to its eye-catching pink design, has been making waves at each port it has visited around the world.

Thousands are expected to head to the waterfront to watch the impressive sight, culminating in the fleet berthing at the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. The action will then continue on dry land as hundreds of people who make up the crews will take part in a colourful, noisy parade to the Pier Head where the official prize giving ceremony will take place.

To celebrate the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, there will be a programme of performances and activities taking place at the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool from midday to 6pm on Saturday 28 and midday to 5pm on Sunday 29 August.

The programme will feature local arts organisations which represent Liverpool and the other port cities and countries visited by the yachts since they set sail on 20 August last year. There will be performances from Katumba South American drum ensemble, One Latin Culture musicians and Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra and dancers.

Families will be able to enjoy street theatre, arts and crafts making activities of national flags of the port countries visited and face painting.

Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “With just weeks to go, excitement is gathering as the city gears up to welcome back one of the most impressive and inspirational global sports events.

“The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta has really whetted the appetite, and it will be wonderful to have yet another majestic display on the River Mersey and some fabulous family entertainment on dry land.

“When the race began in August, it boosted the local economy by £7.5million as thousands of people headed to our world heritage waterfront to give all the crews the send-off they deserved.  We are hoping for a similar impact in July and I look forward to being part of large crowds giving a warm Liverpool welcoming home to the crews who have completed such an incredible challenge.”

Throughout the weekend, the bright red Clipper Race Roadshow Dome will be in place at the Race Village where visitors can discover more about the Clipper Race, try out the virtual reality 360 headsets to experience a day in the life of an ocean racer, talk to crew members, learn about the technology on board or try their hand at the Marlow Rope challenge.

The Clipper Race yachts will also be opened up to the public to find out about what life is like on board, above and below decks, and the Liverpool 2018 team entry will remain in the city until Sunday 05 August.

For more information about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and the fully programme of events planned foe the finale weekend, go to www.visitliverpool.com/2018 or click here. 

We want to see you photos from a sensational weekend on the waterfront when Liverpool 2018 and the fleet of 10 clippers arrive back in Liverpool. Send us your pics on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.