The ten-strong fleet taking part in the world’s longest ocean race made their entrance to the exclusive Marina at Keppel Bay in Singapore following Race 7 of the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.

Clipper leg 7 celebrations Singapore

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Chairman of Keppel Corporation, and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, ignited the ‘Torch of Passion’, setting in motion the welcome celebrations for the fleet, and guest of honour, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, presented the Singapore Cup to the winning crew from Gold Coast Australia. The team is led by Tasmanian yachtsman, Richard Hewson.

An amazing welcome
Deborah Miller, from Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, who joined the yacht in her home port to race to California, said, “It was awesome to be welcomed in Singapore with such grand festivities. As we entered Marina at Keppel Bay people were lined up everywhere along the marina shouting and waving their Singaporean flags. I got to shake the Deputy Prime Minister’s hand, which was very exciting and now I’m really looking forward to catch up with family and friends who are waiting for me.”

The victorious Gold Coast Australia crew was presented with the Keppel-sponsored Singapore Cup after beating Derry-Londonderry by just 79 minutes. The other Australian team, Geraldton Western Australia, also secured their first podium position of the competition and were handed their first pennant of the campaign to fly proudly from the forestay of their boat.

Derry-Londonderry’s John Harkin was amazed at the welcome given upon the team’s arrival. “This has been one of the most formal and biggest receptions that we’ve had. It was very exciting to sail into Keppel Bay, especially knowing it will be our first podium place, which we’ve been waiting for a long time.

“It was a great honour to be on stage with all those dignitaries – a very special feeling. I am really looking forward to be taking in the atmosphere over the next few days, before we set off on Saturday for the next part of the race,” continued John.

The fleet's fourth visit
The Clipper Race Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said, “This is the fourth time that there has been a Singapore entry in the Clipper Race and over the eight years we have witnessed the Caribbean and Reflections at Keppel Bay developments around the marina rise from the ground. But it’s not only the growth of Keppel’s premium developments that impresses, every race we return to see their award-winning marina fill and grow. Of course, with the race we visit a huge number of impressive marinas around the world, but it is rare to find a marina which manages to combine efficiency and style whilst caring for its environment, so it was great to hear that Keppel was awarded the Green Maritime Company 2011 award.

“It’s not only Marina at Keppel Bay and its residences that have grown over the span of our partnership with Keppel. The Clipper Race has also grown, with more than 40 nationalities represented among the crews and we have a growing number of international partners with a variety of marketing and business aims. Each race sees our sponsors using our platform in new ways to achieve return on their objectives.”

Race 8 will see the fleet head to Qingdao in China, leaving on Saturday February 4.

Overall standings after Race 7
Gold Coast Australia                                   73 points
Visit Finland                                                 53 points
De Lage Landen                                         46 points
New York                                                     40 points
Singapore                                                    38 points
Welcome to Yorkshire                                  37 points
Derry-Londonderry                                      35 points
Qingdao                                                       34 points
Geraldton Western Australia                        31 points
Edinburgh Inspiring Capital                         14 points

For further information go to Clipper Round the World Race.