Genova to partner with Clipper Race and offer young Italians chance to race across oceans

by Danielle Wickham 26 Sep 2024 10:52 BST

The Italian city of Genova is partnering with the Clipper Race for the very first time whilst also offering young Italians the chance to race in an adventure of a lifetime.

The City of Genova will be a Team Entry in the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race and become the first ever Italian collaboration with the globally-renowned sailing event. The Genova team entry will race an extraordinary 40,000 nautical miles and complete six ocean crossings on the next edition. The partnership was revealed on Monday by race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Councillor for Sports Facilities, Activities and Tourism, Ms Bianchi, at the Genova Boat Show, where it was also announced that young adventurers from the city would be able apply for one of the places on the Genova yacht.

By partnering with the Clipper Race, the city will showcase itself to the world as the branded Genova team yacht sets sail on the challenging circumnavigation, crewed by diverse people from all corners of the world. The yacht will stop at approximately 14 host cities on the global route, offering the opportunity for unique events, business development, marine industry exchanges and tourism promotion, as well as international media exposure promoting Genova to the world.

Central to this partnership is an Ambassador Programme, where young Italians will have the opportunity to race on board a Clipper 70 representing Genova. The city is passionate about involving young Genoese people who, as Ambassador Crew, will not only have the experience of a lifetime in becoming ocean racers, but will proudly represent and champion the City of Genova on the race of their lives.

Genova is a destination rich in maritime history, offering world-class sailing along a coastline with a stunning mountainous backdrop, as well as being home to a 16th century historic centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city and region are filled with exquisite food, great weather, and plenty of leisure activities in the surrounding areas of natural beauty. Aside from the city being a beautiful place to visit and live, it's Italy's busiest port and a bustling nautical business hub, brimming with trade, innovation, technology and education.

The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers. On previous editions, participants with professions as varied as tattoo artists, teachers, doctors and dairy farmers were among the hundreds of crew from around the world who put their careers on hold to take on the challenge of sailing across the planet's oceans. Encompassing eight legs and six ocean crossings, the race is a true test of human fortitude and determination, and a unique platform to partner with.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "It's fantastic to welcome the City of Genova on board as a Team Partner for the upcoming race edition. The city is steeped in maritime history and culture, and we can't wait to take this incredible destination around the world on the Clipper 2025-26 Race.

"Over the years, the Clipper Race Ambassador Programmes have been a huge success, not only in showcasing our partners to the world, but by giving individuals a truly life-changing experience in sailing across the world's oceans. Many Ambassador Crew have gone on to sail professionally or continue their own adventures. I'm very much looking forward to meeting the young Italian sailors as they embark on the race of their lives, representing their city and promoting sailing in Genova for future generations."

"We wanted to take part in the Clipper Round the World Race, even in a serious way, because we consider the Clipper Race to be an important event, an international event, and above all a slightly different way to sail around the world representing the city of Genova. We will have a 'Genova' boat, with the colours and logo of Genoa, which will be immediately recognisable everywhere, and above all we will give four people the chance to take part in the stages of the circumnavigation," said the Mayor of Genova. "They will be four young men and women selected through a call for applications, who will obviously have to be sea enthusiasts and able to face an experience of this kind, which will be unique. An experience that I would gladly do myself, but which unfortunately I cannot do. So, I am very happy that the city of Genova, the Municipality of Genova, can create this opportunity and that I can take part in the Clipper Round the World Race, a world event that will make us known around the globe."