11 Clipper yachts start Race 9 from Qingdao

QINGDAO -- All 11 yachts left Qingdao for Seattle of America on Friday, embarking Race 9 of the 2017-18 the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Approximately 5,600 nautical miles in length, Race 9 will see the 11 teams battle cold temperatures and big conditions of the North Pacific for about 27 days, said officials of the organizing committee.

"Light conditions are set to dominate during the opening days of the race as the fleet makes its way to the tip of Japan, but after that teams should encounter a low-pressure system that will bring bigger weather." said Mark Light, race director of the Clipper.

Nikki Henderson, skipper of Visit Seattle, led the team on racing to her home port of Seattle.

"We have been waiting for this for a long time and we can't wait to get to Seattle. But there is a big trip to our home port, and we need to work very hard." Nikki said.

Nearly 220 non-professional crew members, representing 28 different nationalities, will take part in the arduous race, after departing the brand-new Wanda Yacht Club in the West Coast New Area of Qingdao.

"On behalf of the organising committee and Qingdao citizens, I would like to extend our sincere wishes to all crew, we wish you fine winds and all the best." said Zang Aimin, executive vice president of Qingdao Olympic Sailing City Development Association.

The clipper Round the World Yacht Race, held every two years, is the largest amateur yacht race in the world and has visited Qindao for seventh straight time. A total of 712 crew members from 41 countries and regions participate in the 2017-18 events.