Clipper Fleet Flagship To Lead U.K. Race For Trade And Tourism

Great Britain was named the "new flagship of the Clipper Round the World Race fleet" in London's Trafalgar Square by Sports & Tourism Minister Hugh Robertson on Wednesday, according to Simon Greaves of the FINANCIAL TIMES. Great Britain is "one of 12 identical 72ft third-generation racing yachts commissioned by Gosport-based race organisers Clipper Ventures." The fleet will leave London’s Tower Bridge on Sept. 1 on "the world’s longest ocean race -- 40,000 miles." Great Britain is "being used to spearhead a trade and tourism partnership." Great Britain team partners from the private sector, including Land Rover, Arm Holdings and Grange Hotels, "will be involved in a set of branding and other opportunities supported by UK Trade Investment, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Visit Britain" (FT, 7/31).