Unicef UK Official Charity of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

Clipper 15-16 Crew Allocation at Portsmouth Guildhall © onEdition

The UK based Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, established by legendary British sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, is today (Monday 27th April) proud to announce that Unicef UK has been appointed as its official race charity.

Crew members and Clipper Race supporters will be encouraged to fundraise for Unicef, the world's leading children's organisation, during the Clipper 2015-16 Race. The 2015-16 series marks the tenth edition of the biennial event which trains amateurs to compete in the longest ocean race around the planet, and will depart from London on 30 August this year.

Clipper Race founder and Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "We are extremely proud to welcome Unicef UK on board as our Clipper Race Charity, to mark the tenth edition of our biennial ocean challenge in 2015-16.

"The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a leading international event so it feels entirely fitting that we are partnering with Unicef, the world's leading organisation for children. We and our international crew members look forward to raising much needed funds to make a lasting difference to the lives of the world's most vulnerable children."

Catherine Cottrell, Unicef UK's Deputy Executive Director, said: "We are truly delighted to become the official charity of the Clipper 2015-16 Race. Unicef works in 190 countries, including every country the race fleet will pass through on this incredible voyage. We hope to inspire crew members to fundraise and support our work for children in danger across the globe."

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is 40,000 miles long and takes almost a year to complete. The longest ocean race in the world, it is also known as one of the planet's toughest endurance challenges.

Uniquely for amateur sailors, more than 600 crew members representing over 40 different nationalities will compete in the Clipper 2015-16 Race, the biennial event's tenth edition. 40 per cent of crew have never sailed before they sign up to take part and complete a rigorous training process to prepare them for the journey ahead.

Setting sail from London on 30 August 2015, the fleet of twelve identically matched ocean racing yachts will visit six continents, including stopovers in Rio, Cape Town, Sydney, Qingdao – China, Panama, and Derry-Londonderry before returning to London in summer 2016 to a victorious homecoming.

Specific fundraising activities and ways for crew and supporters to get involved will be announced in coming weeks. To find out more about Unicef visit www.unicef.org.uk and for more information about the Clipper 2015-16 Race visit www.clipperroundtheworld.com.