James Feldkamp Discusses the Postponing of the Clipper Round the World Race

Sailing enthusiast James Feldkamp recently discussed the postponing of the Clipper Round the World sailing race.

ARLINGTON, VA / ACCESSWIRE / February 3, 2021 / The COVID-19 pandemic has canceled numerous events, and the sailing industry recently experienced another major upset. The completion of the 2019-2020 Clipper Round the World race has been rescheduled for a later date after being halted in early 2020 due to the pandemic. Avid sailor James Feldkamp recently discussed this change. 

“The sailing world is devastated to have to reschedule the remainder of this event,” Feldkamp said. “But it’s better safe than sorry in regards to the coronavirus pandemic. Participants will be that much more excited to complete the remaining legs of the event in August of 2021.”

Feldkamp explained that the race is now expected to resume in August 2021. The organization explained that a restart in February or April of 2021 was too soon given the current state of the pandemic. Feldkamp added that many countries on the race route are currently not allowing entry. For instance, the Philippines is only allowing entry to foreign nationals with visa residency and Philippine nationals.

He explained that the Clipper Race is an iconic race spanning 40,000 nautical miles aboard a 70-foot racing yacht. Organizers supply 11 of these racing yachts along with a skipper and first mate. One of the most interesting parts of this race is that anyone can take part. However, it’s not for the faint of heart, as the Round the World race is known as one of the world’s top tests of endurance.

“Those who have already committed to joining the race are eagerly awaiting the August start,” Feldkamp said. “Right now, all we can do is wait and hope the entire world gets this pandemic under control.”

Feldkamp added that sailing vessels are currently not able to enter China, and regulations for entering other countries make the task of organizing the race amidst a pandemic challenging. He explained that people from more than 40 countries will be traveling to compete in the race, and without widespread vaccinations, an early 2021 start was impossible. 

Feldkamp stated that the sixth leg of the race is set to begin on August 28, 2021. It is set to include three stopovers in China as well as stopovers in the North Pacific on the way to Seattle. Boats are expected to arrive in Seattle between late September and the end of October. The race will continue with Leg 7 in Panama and the Caribbean and finish in London at the end of January 29, 2022.

“The sailing world will have to keep their eyes and ears open for further changes regarding the starting date of the race and locations of the legs, but it’s clear the organization is committed to a restart and completing this unparalleled adventure,” he concluded.

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SOURCE: James Feldkamp

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