Fast Facts

• Clipper Race

  • Clipper 11-12 is the eighth edition of the biennial event operated by Clipper Ventures Plc.
  • The race was established by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to give everyone, regardless of sailing experience, the opportunity to experience the exhilaration of ocean racing. Almost 500 people representing more than 40 nations will compete in Clipper 11-12. The only qualification for the race is the minimum age of 18 – there is no upper age limit.
  • There are 15 international ports. Please click here for a full list.
  • There are ten teams in total. Please click here for a full list.
  • Our yacht is called Gold Coast, Australia and the crew comprises 48 people including an Australian skipper. The crew represents 30 men, 17 women, six nationalities, one Gold Coast resident and three Queenslanders. The average age is 47, the oldest age is 72 and the youngest is 22.
  • The yachts are 68-foot long.
  • The race is a closely fought 12 month competition.
  • The 2011/2012 race departed Southampton in the UK on Sunday 31st July and is set to be the longest round the world yacht race in the world.
  • The race covers a total of 8 legs that cover 40,000 miles, 6 continents and 15 stopovers. Please click here for full details on the race route.
  • The Clipper event is the only amateur around the world yacht race available to non-professional crew.
  • The Clipper yachts will arrive on the Gold Coast in mid December for an estimated 15 day stopover. This captures an additional six days stopover for maintenance which is a great opportunity for our local marine and tourist industries.
  • Partnering with Clipper will mean the opportunity to forge greater trade links with local and international business to generate significant economic benefits for the Gold Coast.
  • We endeavour to provide successful and engaging local events for the Clipper Race Teams, their family and friends as well as providing an engaging international presence at stopovers globally.
  • There will be an opportunity for local sponsorship and for businesses to use the race as a catalyst for in-port marketing and networking events.
  • The Gold Coast’s welcoming nature is complemented by endless entertainment and adventure and is renowned as a celebrated holiday experience set on one of Australia’s most spectacular natural stages.
  • The Race sponsorship is a collaboration between Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Tourism with the support of the Southport Yacht Club.

   

• Gold Coast City

   

  • Population: 527,800
  • Situated in the middle of the booming South East Queensland corridor with a catchment of almost 3 million people.
  • 5 year annual average population growth rate: 3.2% (June 2010)
  • National 5 year annual average population growth rate: 1.8% (June 2010)
  • 70 kilometres of beaches
  • 100,000 hectares of world heritage listed rainforest
  • Almost 8,000 international students at Gold Coast universities
  • More than 11 million visitors annually
  • Almost 60,000 businesses
  • Imports $A10.6 billion
  • Exports $A$8.6 billion
  • Labour force of 324,600 (April 2011)
  • Household Expenditure $11.3 billion
  • Culturally diverse with 24.5% residents born overseas
  • Gold Coast Airport – over 350 weekly flights throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia and beyond.
  • Brisbane Airport - located within a 1 hour drive from Gold Coast City and offers direct connections to 30 international and 42 domestic destinations.
  • Major road and rail transport initiatives have given the city excellent access to major air and sea ports, which has increased regional export potential.
  • Growing city with solid infrastructure, good governance, stable government and abundant natural assets and quality lifestyle
  • A combination of lower costs, a diverse workforce, solid infrastructure and supportive business environment provide the setting needed for business success.

   

Gold Coast City Council has an Investment Attraction Program and incentive fund which assists eligible companies from export focused and knowledge-based industry sectors. Click here for more information.