Abell Point on Clipper route
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the world’s longest ocean race, will stop at Abell Point Marina in January 2018.
Written by Jeni Bone
Photography by Abell Point Marina
04 July 2017
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It will be the second time this high-profile event will call in to the gateway to the Reef and Whitsundays.
The biennial 40,000 mile Clipper Race is regarded as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet.
It was established in 1996 by British yachting legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world, to allow anyone, regardless of previous experience, the chance to experience the exhilaration of ocean racing.
Based on the mainland east coast of Queensland and being the largest marina in the Whitsunday region, Abell Point Marina is the prime destination to stay, play, explore Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands and the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
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Paul Darrouzet, owner of Point Marina said “The Clipper Race stopover provides a fantastic opportunity for Abell Point Marina to showcase the beautiful Whitsundays and its picture-perfect sailing playground and experiences to its international audience.”
Luke McCaul, General Manager at Abell Point Marina added “With the Clipper Race having such a large global following, being a race port fits nicely with our position as an internationally renowned marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays.
“The visit will coincide with the summer holidays, providing a great opportunity for us to attract boaties to the marina in a traditionally quiet period.
“This time around will be especially exciting with the addition of a Clipper Race Carnival, which is set to include a large scale welcome event, a regional rodeo and a spectacular lunch on iconic Whitehaven Beach.
“As an official race port, this draws visitors from all over the world to Airlie Beach which provides a great injection into the local economy and strengthens the position of Whitsundays as the premier sailing destination.”
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