City misses boat on Clipper race

Albany has been overlooked as a host port for the lucrative Clipper Round the World Race.

The City of Albany had been in discussions with event organisers to return the race to Albany, but Fremantle was chosen as the host port instead.

The race comprises eight legs totalling 40,000 nautical miles, with participants racing identical 21m yachts.

Albany was a host port for the race in 2015, with a post-event evaluation report estimating it attracted more than $870,000 in direct spending by visitors.

City chief executive Andrew Sharpe said winning hosting rights was a competitive process.

“The City expressed its desire to host the 2017 Clipper Round the World Race, however it has been unsuccessful on this occasion,” he said

“On this occasion the council was unable to meet the financial expectations to win the hosting rights.”

But Mr Sharpe said the council remained positive about the event returning.

“While we are disappointed to be overlooked for this year’s race, we believe Albany’s marina remains an ideal host port for the race and we look forward to being able to negotiate the return of Clipper in the future,” he said.

Albany woman Nicola Edwards competed in the race when it stopped in Albany in 2015 and described it as a life-changing journey.

“Being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, where the next closest person was in the international space station, in a storm with 80ft waves, 70 knots of wind — that was challenging,” she said

“I think the camaraderie and arriving in different countries having earned our berth there was certainly a fantastic aspect of the journey.

“I have been fortunate enough to explore some amazing cities and sights along the way.”

Competitors are expected to arrive in Fremantle between November 21 and 25.