The Qingdao Organizing Committee and its British counterpart for the Clipper Round the World Race recently announced the captain and shortlisted ambassador crews. These sailors stand the chance to participate in the imminent 2023-24 Clipper Round the World Race on behalf of Qingdao.

The Clipper Round the World Race, which is among world-famous sailing races, is very selective for crews who not only have to be of remarkable physical aptitude and fluent in English, but also need to pass comprehensive examinations including theoretic test for sailing, practice on the sea, self-presentation and simulative interview. Ten candidates including Bu Xuan and Tian Feng, were shortlisted after rounds of selection.

Laura Ayres, general manager of Clipper Venture Capital Co., Ltd., showed great satisfaction with the selection of ambassador crews of "Qingdao". She said: "the shortlisted sailors have the chance to navigate through oceans, and more importantly, are likely to represent Qingdao, dubbed 'sailing city' for global promotion. Since cooperation began between Clipper and Qingdao, more than 70 Chinese sailors have been cultivated in the ambassador crew projects. Many of them have either become occupational sailors or engaged in sailing-related work."

Greg Hunt, aged 35 from South Africa, appointed captain of the "Qingdao" fleet in the 2023-2024 Clipper Round the World Race, will lead ambassador crews to board "Qingdao". Hunt said: "I feel very proud and excited to captain 'Qingdao' and compete in the new season on behalf of Qingdao, known as the longest partner of the Clipper Round the World Race."Hunt said he is confident for the new season and hopes to defend the championship.

In the future weeks, shortlisted ambassador crews will go to the UK headquarters of the Clipper Round the World Race for systemic training prior to the new race, a "compulsory course" every sailor has to take before participating in the race.

(Zhang Yu)

"Qingdao" in the race.  File Photo