Clipper Race yachts on sale to racing, training and development markets

by Amy Martindale 12 Dec 2014 08:40 GMT 12 December 2014

Ed Dubois 68ft Clipper Race yachts go on sale to racing, training and development markets © Clipper Ventures

Clipper Ventures has started to sell its former race fleet of Clipper 68 Ed Dubois designed yachts. The 68 foot ocean racing yachts were the backbone of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet for four races from 2005-2012 until the new Clipper 70 was introduced in 2013. The 68s are now used primarily for training and corporate events.

Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who briefed Ed Dubois on the design requirements for the Clipper 68 said: "I wanted a yacht that could be sailed safely by amateur crews but could also be a good ocean racing boat...and it proved extremely successful as far as we were concerned.

"The Clipper 68 fleet was retired from the Clipper Race in 2013 to make way for the new twelve-strong Clipper 70 fleet, but it's probably capable of at least another four global races. So anyone looking for a good strong rugged boat that's reliable and easy to sail, that can take anything you throw at it, and the Southern Ocean takes some beating, these are the boats!"

Sir Robin, alongside Ed Dubois and his team, worked closely on the design and build of the yacht, drawing on over fifty years of sailing experience and specialist design knowledge. The Clipper 68 has a straightforward GRP sandwich construction with accommodation for 20 crew berths.

Berthon International has been appointed as the sales agent for the 68ft yachts which are available for immediate delivery, ready for the 2015 season, with a sale price from £245,000.

Sue Grant, managing director, Berthon International commented: "The release of the Clipper 68 fleet onto the open market has been eagerly anticipated. For individuals or organisations looking for a versatile ocean racing, training or even cruising yacht, with a great pedigree, this is a unique opportunity to own and operate a superb boat.

"Some of the crew who have crewed these boats in the Clipper Race have gone on to become awesome sailors. The Clipper 68s offer exciting and rewarding sailing which makes them a great choice for yachtsmen and women who appreciate performance, want to sail in tough conditions and have serious adventures."

The vessels are well equipped, including eleven Harken winches, Marlow manufactured running rigging and a Sparcraft designed and produced rig.

An extensive sail wardrobe from Hyde Sails consists of hank-on headsails: Windseeker, Yankee 1, Yankee 2, Yankee 3 and Staysail; three symmetrical spinnakers: heavyweight, medium weight and lightweight; plus a storm mainsail and storm jib.

The Clipper 68 is a reliable and effective yacht for inshore, offshore and ocean racing and has achieved top speeds of 27 knots; it has successfully sailed through some of the most challenging conditions on the planet, racing across the Southern, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

This is a unique ocean racing yacht providing a versatile design for a wide range of sailing opportunities and, as part of a fleet of ten identical yachts, the release of multiple vessels can also be considered.

A short video has been compiled to provide an introduction to the yacht for prospective buyers and can be viewed here: