Agent General farewells Clipper
The Agent General Kerry Sanderson AO was in Southampton to farewell the crew of the Geraldton Western Australia in the 2011/12 Round the World Clipper race.
The Geraldton Western Australia is one of ten 68-foot vessels taking part in the world’s longest yacht race, circumnavigating the globe.
The team will navigate 40,000 miles of ocean over about 11 months. The yacht will be crewed by 45 men and women from 12 different nations over the course of the 8 leg race. After starting in Southampton the sailors will head to Madeira and then on to Rio de Janeiro.
From there, the teams will head to South Africa before completing the third leg off the coast of Geraldton, in Western Australia. It’s expected the teams will arrive there on October 29th this year.
Mrs Kerry Sanderson was joined by Business Tourism and Investment Manager Kylie Adams at the launch of the event. Mrs Sanderson said it was wonderful to see the team and wish all crews well ahead of their departure.
“Southampton put on a great show, with many local people and vessels coming out to farewell the Clipper fleet,” she said.
“This is a truly global event and it really offers the participants the chance to visit some of Western Australia’s wonderful scenery and enjoy a warm welcome.”
The crew of the Geraldton Western Australia are a diverse group, ranging from a housewife, to a doctor and even a wine maker. The oldest participant is 65 years of age, and the youngest is 18.
Mrs Sanderson said it was nice to see a truly international crew on board the Geraldton Western Australia.
“We have crew members from England, Switzerland, Germany and France. It really highlights the strong bonds Australia and particularly Western Australia, has with the rest of Europe."
You can follow the progress of the 2011/2012 team by clicking here.
