The Times Clipper 2000 - Ian McShane will race

by Sue Warden-Owen on 9 Oct 2000 Renowned actor, Ian McShane is to attend the start of The Times Clipper 2000 Round The World Yacht Race on Sunday, 15th October. The eight-strong fleet of identical 60ft yachts, competing in this year's prestigious race are set to sail out of Port Solent.

The race start, sponsored by Gunwharf Quays and Portsmouth City Council, is organised by Clipper Ventures Plc in conjunction with Portsmouth Harbour Events Ltd and the weekend of waterside celebrations, 13th - 15th October, will include an air display, live music, street entertainment, a free-style windsurfing display and power boat demonstration.

Ian McShane, currently starring on London's West End stage in his musical debut as Darryl Van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, is Patron of The Philip Green Memorial Trust for sick and disabled children - the official charity for The Times Clipper 2000. Funds raised by many of the crewmembers during the race will go towards the construction of London's first children's hospice.

Best known for his television drama series Lovejoy, Ian McShane's long and varied career has included work on both sides of the Atlantic on stage and on film. His theatre credits include co-starring with Dame Judi Dench and Ian McKellen in the acclaimed production of The Promise at the Fortune Theatre which he then took to Broadway. His British and U.S. television work includes, Emmy Award Winning The Caretaker, Wuthering Heights, Roots, Dallas, War & Remembrance, The Great Escape II, Babylon 5, Madson and Soul Survivors. McShane's films include The Battle of Britain, Gypsy Girl, Ransom and the soon to be released, Sexy Beast.

Each yacht competing in The Times Clipper 2000 is sponsored by a UK city including Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Plymouth, Portsmouth and the island of Jersey. Crews will be tested to the limit as they battle for the right to win The Times Trophy during the challenging eleven-month circumnavigation, which will finish in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, in September 2001.