Sanya becomes host port for Clipper Race, through to 2020

Sanya has become a host port for the next two editions of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, through to 2020, according to an agreement signed between Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Founder of Clipper Race, and Mr. Wu Yanjun, Mayor of Sanya City, on February 15th, 2017.

“I am very pleased to welcome Sanya as a host port and team partner. This is a beautiful resort in the south of China, with excellent marina facilities and a strong sailing heritage; I’m confident that our crew, partners and supporters will enjoy their time here. We also look forward to taking the name of Sanya around the world on their team yacht to attract even more international tourists to come here to discover everything the city has to offer.” said Knox-Johnston, at the signing ceremony held at the Sanya Serenity Marina, where the fleet will be berthed.

Mr. Wu Yanjun said: “Having a partnership with the Clipper Race helps us to promote the city brand profile and push the development of water sports. More significantly, it will help build up Sanya’s name as an international sailing destination and further enhance the city’s strategy of combining sports and tourism as a long-term development plan. Sanya will have everything ready to accommodate the Clipper Race and warmly welcome its sailing ‘warriors’ and international guests from all over the world for tourism, trade and investment.”

The Clipper Race has had a long association with China over the last 12 years. Qingdao was the first Chinese city to host the Clipper Race and field a team entry in 2005. It has completed six biennial editions so far and recently agreed to participate in two further races in 2017-18 and 2019-20 and is the longest ever consecutive partner.

The Clipper Race fleet is anticipated to arrive in Sanya in the first quarter of 2018, and then again in 2020, as part of the Asia-Pacific Leg.