Watch: The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race leaves Liverpool in style

Thousands of sailing fans, families and well-wishers lined the banks of the River Mersey to wave farewell to the fleet of 12 clippers beginning their world-wide voyage.

After 6 days of maritime fun at Albert Dock, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race got off to a winning start on the Mersey after a farewell ceremony fit for a queen. Having paraded into Canning Dock to their individual theme songs, the 12 clippers set off onto the Mersey amid raucous applause, cheering a few tears from family members and friends.

The start gun at 12:30 marked the start of the eleven month, 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation. The first of eight legs that make up the Clipper Race, the Atlantic Trade Winds Leg, will see the twelve teams race from Liverpool to Punta del Este, Uruguay. At around 6,400 nautical miles, this will be the longest opening leg in the 21 year history of the Clipper Race.

Not content with playing race host for the fourth time, Liverpool also entered its first clipper to take part in the global competition. Liverpool 2018, sitting (or should that be bobbing?) pretty in pink, has proven to be a huge hit as the fleet moored in Albert Dock during the last week. Named in an official naming ceremony with Mayor Joe Anderson, the clipper and her crew will carry the name of our city around the world until July 2018 when the fleet return.

Earlier in the week we found out more about life on board from Liverpool 2018 crew members and heard from Clipper Race founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnson about getting involved with the action.

You can see all our Clipper Round the World Yacht Race coverage by clicking here, or head to www.clipperroundtheworld.com to see the live streams, read crew diaries and watch the action unfold.