Sta-Lok makes debut as Official Standing Rigging Partner for world famous Clipper Race

(L-R) Sta-Lok MD Terry Barfield, Sta-Lok Marine Sales Manager Anto Stopps and Clipper Race Chairman Sir Robin Knox- Johnston © Clipper Ventures

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has announced Sta-Lok will debut as its first Official Standing Rigging Partner for its world's largest matched ocean racing fleet, which will compete in the 2017-18 edition of the biennial race.

Welcoming Sta-Lok on board, Clipper Race Chairman, and legendary yachtsman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "Our fleet of twelve 70 foot ocean racers are put to the ultimate test during their circumnavigation so it is essential their rigging can stand up to the challenge. With more than 40 years' experience providing rigging hardware, we are very pleased to welcome Sta-Lok as our first Official Standing Rigging Partner.

"We look forward to working with the Sta-Lok team over the next year as we prepare to embark on our eleventh circumnavigation in the Clipper 2017-18 Race."

The accredited manufacturer supplies everything from wire rope fittings and rigging hardware through to hand tools and swaging machines, and is renowned for its quality marine products, found on board dinghies and blue water cruisers, right up to high performance ocean racers. Its construction hardware can also be found in recognisable buildings around the world such as the iconic Bullring Birmingham, UK and the Court House in Kuwait.

With a strong heritage as one of the leading hardware manufacturers in the UK, Sta-Lok has a network of distributers across Canada, USA, Australia and the Mediterranean, and will use the global reach of the Clipper Race to expand relationships in ports of call the fleet will visit during its eleven-month long adventure.

Speaking of the new partnership, Terry Barfield, Managing Director of Sta-Lok, said: "The Clipper Race is a unique and very high profile global challenge, which myself and the entire Sta-Lok team are very proud to come on board to support as its first Official Standard Rigging Partner.

"We look forward to working with Sir Robin and the Clipper Race staff and teams, and we await the 2017-18 race campaign with great anticipation."

The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind, established in 1996 by Chairman Sir Robin it allows anyone, regardless of previous sailing history, the chance to experience the thrill of ocean racing. Since its inception, more than 4,000 people have taken part, with up to 40 per cent having never sailed before. Organisers provide four weeks of intensive training which prepares crew for racing across the world's most challenging oceans.

The twelve-strong Clipper 70 fleet is currently in the process of its refit in preparation for the next race edition, where each yacht will be lifted and masts re-stepped with Sta-Lok rigging. A total of 2,784 parts from across 10 Sta-Lok products will be fitted across the fleet.

The Clipper 2017-18 Race will be the eleventh edition of the race. Set to start next summer, it is expected to be the largest ever edition of the race with over 700 crew members expected to take part. To find out more visit: www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Sta-Lok is currently exhibiting at METSTRADE, the world's largest trade show for boats and marine equipment in Amsterdam until 17 November. For more information visit stand: 03.217