Clipper Race delivers economic boost to WA - Media

Clipper Race delivers economic boost to WA

23 December 2007

Fremantle, Western AustraliaWhen the Clipper 07-08 Around the World yacht race sailed in to town last week, it brought with it clear economic benefits to the city of Fremantle. With the race arrival coinciding with the Christmas festival, Western Australia has proved an irresistible attraction for friends and family of the International Clipper crew to fly in from around the world.The crew onboard the ten internationally sponsored racing yachts represent 27 different nationalities and have an ever-growing group of supporters comprising of friends and family of the crew and sailing enthusiasts.  Many of their followers will fly out to the race stopovers to support the teams and will often fly out several days ahead of the expected arrival date to guarantee being on the pontoon to welcome in the fleet.The arrival of the fleet in Fremantle has been no exception, with crowds of supporters lining the pontoon at the Fremantle Sailing Club as each of the boats arrived.  Some have flown thousands of miles to be there and the majority will stay the duration of the fleet’s two-week stopover in order to witness the new year’s day re-start. Others will extend their visit and take the opportunity to explore more of Western Australia before flying home.An early survey conducted by race organizers Clipper Ventures showed that in addition to the 120 crew members in town, a further 160 visitors are already here with more expected to arrive in time for Christmas.Their arrival has been welcomed by Tourism Minister Sheila McHale:“It is fantastic that the 250 plus international crew members, their families and friends would be spending the festive season in Fremantle and Western Australia,” said Ms McHale."The race is a great economic boost for the State, with the last Fremantle Clipper stop-over generating more than $1.5million in direct expenditure,” she said.Her view was firmly endorsed by John Longley, Chief Executive of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, who commented:"The arrival of the Clipper Race reaffirms Fremantle’s status as a major centre for international sailing. Since the Americas Cup defence in 1987 the city has hosted many sailing events, from dinghy and small keel boat national and world championships, through to large ocean acing events like the Volvo, Velux and Clipper. The crowning glory will be the hosting of the ISAF worlds in 2011.“These events have a major economic impact on Fremantle, not only from the direct spend by visitors, but also from the support to the Fremantle brand as a place of consequence on the international sailing scene."Ends.NOTES FOR EDITORS   For media information contact:     Zoe Williamson, Communications Coordinator Email: Mobile in Fremantle: +61 (0) 432 523 815High-resolution Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race images are available for free media use at: http://www.w-w-i.com/clipper_0708_race/   For the latest race news, blogs, images and video clips log on to http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com