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Ja sails in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Benefits of sports to tourism in the Caribbean

ontributed - Jamaica skipper, Simon Bradley, who will pilot a boat in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. In the background is the boat marked, 'Once you go, you know'.

Ja sails in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has fielded an entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race for the first time with one of the yacht competing in the 07-08 edition of the race bearing the name of the country. The race, which started in Liverpool last Sunday, will also call into Port Antonio, during the 35,000-mile circumnavigation.

Although Jamaica will compete for the first time alongside yachts representing cities, including New York, Glasgow, Singapore, Durban, Qingdao and the state of Western Australia, the Clipper fleet has enjoyed the country's hospitality before. The ten 68-foot ocean racing yachts berthed at Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio during a port visit on the Clipper 05-06 Race.

Jamaica was officially named in Albert Dock, Liverpool, on Saturday, September 15, in a ceremony attended by sailing legend, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman of Clipper Ventures Plc.

Sir Robin said, "Jamaica will join yachts representing cities from all corners of the globe in an event that draws intense international media attention."

delighted

Burchell Whiteman, Jamaica High Commissioner, London, said, "Port Antonio enjoyed showing off their hidden treasures during the Clipper Race visit in 2006. I am delighted that there will be a yacht named Jamaica in Clipper 07-08 that will be representing our country as they race around the world. I wish all the yachts every success in their great endeavour. Jamaica looks forward to extending a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all the crews and their families in 2008."

The Jamaica Tourist Board's Regional Director, UK/N. Europe, Elizabeth Fox said, "We're delighted to be a part of this exciting yacht race which will bring both the island of Jamaica and the charming harbour of Port Antonio under the international spotlight. Jamaica already receives nearly 200,000 British visitors a year, but we hope that Jamaica's association with this race will inspire even more to visit our beautiful island. We wish the Jamaica crew the fastest and safest of journeys and will ensure that there is a great Jamaican welcome for them when they arrive in the country next May."

ambassadors

The crew of Jamaica is delighted to become ambassadors for the island. Each of the ten crews competing in the race chooses a boat song to help them on their way and, not surprisingly, the music of Bob Marley will accompany their arrival and departure from ports around the world.

Jamaica's skipper, Simon Bradley, was very pleased to hear the news, commenting, "I'm ecstatic. I couldn't be more pleased to be representing Jamaica. It is a country with a great identity, recognised around the world. I'm very proud."

Simon competed as a crew member on the winning yacht, Bristol, on the Times Clipper 2000 Race and now, as a fully-qualified skipper, is the only professional sailor on board.

The Clipper 07-08 Race is the only global yacht race for non-professional yachtsmen and women. The fleet is due to arrive in Port Antonio, Jamaica on May 19, 2008 and will leave on the start of leg seven on 25 May, heading north towards New York.