Clipper yacht Old Pulteney arrives 'home' ahead of Scotland Boat Show

Old Pulteney during the Clipper Race © www.clipperroundtheworld.com

A 70 foot ocean racing yacht which circumnavigated the globe in the latest edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, representing Scottish whisky brand Old Pulteney, has arrived in Clyde ahead of the Scotland Boat Show, taking place 10-12 October, near Glasgow.

The Clipper Race is the world's longest ocean race. Also known as one of the world's toughest endurance challenges, it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. At 40,000 miles long and taking almost a year to complete the circumnavigation, the 2015-16 edition of the race starts next summer and will be the events tenth edition.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to experience life on board the stripped down Clipper 70 yacht Old Pulteney, making its debut at the show and representing the 'maritime malt' distilled in the north of Scotland at Wick.

Catherine Devlin from the Isle of Skye took part in the Clipper 2011-12 Race on board Edinburgh Inspiring Capital. She will be on board Old Pulteney throughout the show to talk about her experience, and said: "Coming from the Highlands I am thrilled the Clipper Race is taking the Scottish Old Pulteney yacht to the Scotland Boat Show.

"Taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was life changing for me, I learnt so much about myself, about the power of nature and the total joy that yacht racing within a team can bring. I am delighted to be part of the crew sharing my experiences about the race this week and I would encourage anyone with a passion for adventure to jump at this amazing opportunity."

Claire Carroll from Dumfries was a round the world crew member in the Clipper 2013-14 Race and will be also be on board during the show. She said: "I'm really pleased that Old Pulteney is at the Scotland Boat Show. I think it's easier to associate yourself with something as massive as the Clipper Race when it's closer to home.

"I would love to sign some more Scottish folk up for the race this week. If I had my time over, I would do the whole race again!"

Established by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in 1996 the race allows anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience with the chance to encounter the thrill of ocean racing. Around 40 per cent of crew have never sailed before they sign up to the Clipper Race challenge. During the Clipper 2013-14 Race 670 people, representing more than 40 nationalities took part.

Old Pulteney open boat tours are free and will run daily throughout the show from 10:00 - 18:00, (including free Old Pulteney whisky tastings from 12pm) located at B Pontoon, number 1. Come and meet the crew, past and present, and find out if the Clipper Race challenge is for you.

Clipper Race Crew Recruitment and Development Director, David Cusworth will also be holding free crew presentations on the RYA stage for those eager to find out how they can take part in the 2015-16 or 2017-18 races, at the following times:

• Friday, 10 October, 13:30 to 14:30
• Saturday, 11 October at 10:30 to 11:30
• Sunday, 12 October at 14:30 to 15:30