As a Clipper 13-14 crew member you will be making history by being one of the very first to sail the third generation of Clipper ocean racing yachts, the Clipper 70s.

Currently in build, the 12 strong fleet of bigger and faster new boats will take the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to a new level and you will be the forefront of this exciting development.

“By incorporating the very latest features in the hull design, massive asymmetric spinnakers flown from the six-foot bowsprit and state of the art electronics from Garmin, the new boats will deliver improved performance, and new speed records are likely to be recorded when they surf on following seas. Crew signed up for Clipper 13-14 and beyond can look forward to speeds of 30 knots and upwards,” Joff Bailey, Clipper Race Director, said.

The Clipper 70 was designed by Tony Castro Naval Architects in close consultation with Clipper Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, and key members of the race team. This team drew on Clipper’s 15 years of experience in running eight successful races on the two previously commissioned fleets, the original Clipper 60s and the Clipper 68s.

The fleet of Clipper 70s is currently being constructed by Nauticstar Marine in Qingdao, China, which is in the Shandong Province. The project is being overseen by Rob McInally, skipper of Nova Scotia in Clipper 07-08 and Team Finland in 09-10. Rob is acting as Clipper’s representative in China to ensure that the yachts are built to the very highest standards and to maintain consistency throughout the build of the entire fleet.

“The yacht looks like it is going to be very exciting to sail. The underwater design of the hull is going to provide the next level of sailing for the future Clipper crews and the twin wheels and twin rudders provide the helming characteristics that are required for the higher surfing speeds,” Rob said.

Over the next few weeks the first deck and hull will be coming out of their moulds and immediately the second hull will be started. Once off the mould the hull’s structural supports will be put in place. Then the engine and generator will be lowered into place and the propulsion will be set up.

Then the navigation station and galley will be built over the top of the plumbing and cable runs. Whilst all this is happening to the hull, the deck gear such as hatches, winches, vents and tracks will be fitted to the deck.

“We work on the hull and the deck separately as it gives the workers easier access to the inside of the hull with their equipment prior to the deck being fitted,” Rob said.

Once the deck is attached to the hull, the steering system is aligned to ensure that it functions effectively. Then the twin rudders will be fitted along with the stanchions, rails and deck mooring equipment.

A team of approximately 50 people is working on the Clipper 70s and by the first quarter of next year, there will be four yachts in various stages of the build process. The first of the fleet is set to be complete early next year and all 12 of the new boats will have been shipped to the UK by early 2013.

“It’s great to see the new fleet take shape and to be the first person to stand at the starboard wheel imagining the number of future sailors that will be standing here during start line manoeuvres and surfing waves in ocean crossings. As the build progresses, I can’t wait for the sea trials,” Rob said.