Waterway Guide | Clipper Race is 4 Weeks to Washington, DC

Clipper Race is 4 Weeks to Washington, DC

Date Posted: May 22, 2024

Source: Ed Tillett, Editor-in-Chief, Gina Cicotello, Christy Goodman

The eleven Clipper Round the World Race boats are abeam of Oaxaca, Mexico headed to Panama to transit the canal. Back in warm weather, crews and skippers continue to amass points and document their adventures as the race prepares for its visit to Washington, DC.

Seattle, WA, was the last port of call in early May and a host city for the race. Crews celebrated their achievements of crossing the northern Pacific Ocean from China and prepared for their journey down the west coast, through the Panama Canal, and north to Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River and Washington, DC.

Seattle Wrap Up Video Link

Clipper Yachts on the Potomac

Washington, DC has distinguished itself as a Host Port and sponsor of one of the eleven boats. The city is poised to celebrate the race for the first time as all eleven vessels will converge along The Wharf in the nation's capital.

Schedule of Events at The Wharf

Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, DC, is hosting Clipper Fleet Week from Friday, June 21 through Sunday, June 23. The Wharf, DC's most exciting waterfront neighborhood, will be the location for an unforgettable celebration that will include family-friendly activities, yacht tours and more.

June is an action packed month with a world-class schedule of events and activities.

Washington, DC touts itself as the Sports Capital with many world-class teams and athletes representing DC. In June, Washington Nationals baseball, D.C. United men's soccer, Washington Spirit women's soccer and Old Glory DC Rugby Club will be in season.

"What I love most about Washington, DC is that it is one of the most welcoming and accepting cities in the world," said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. "Visitors can come for a sporting event and take part in the city's diversity, equity and inclusion and international influence along with some of the world's best free things to do."

Washington, DC Boat Skippered by Hannah Brewis

Skipper Report May 22, 2024

Hannah Brewis has over 40,000 nautical miles experience offshore racing and circumnavigating as a prior participant in the Clipper Round the World Race. She was presented with a series of questions after leaving Seattle and was able to transmit answers from the vessel last week.

Skipper Hannah Brewis and Ella Hebron (AQP) of Washington, DC

Q: You have been quoted as saying the biggest inspiration for you is the camaraderie and cooperation, when a team comes together to tackle the challenges of racing. How has that panned out during this race?

A: Our team is the most important thing. Sailing is full of unpredictable challenges, ones that you normally can't control like the weather or the ocean around you. You become reliant on the team around you, people to pick you up when you're having a bad day or people to celebrate with when things go well. When challenges are thrown in your face, knowing that the person next to you is giving it their all, as you are, makes the tough just that bit easier. Being the leader of the team has its challenges, but when the crew is running smoothly and when I'm watching these people thrive it is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What was the biggest challenge you have been proud to overcome as a team?

A: The biggest challenge we've faced so far is probably Leg 6. This consisted of two races, first from Zhuhai to Qingdao in China, and then across the North Pacific to Seattle, USA. On both races the conditions we faced were big, wet and windy, which is always harder.

The first race, although only a short one, saw us sail up the coast of China. This part of the sea is famous for the incredible amount of fishing activity, sailing through these vast fleets was very tricky and immensely stressful. By the time we got to Qingdao we were completely exhausted as every waking moment we were avoiding something. On the next race we crossed the North Pacific, the biggest ocean in the world, and the sheer size of it is incredible. At points the closest people to us (excluding our fellow competitors) were the people in the space station. The weather in the North Pacific is notorious for these big low pressures that bring strong winds and very cold temperatures. We had 28 days of intense racing; and it was certainly the biggest challenge for me and the crew but arriving in Seattle felt incredible and I'll remember the sense of achievement forever.

Q: What would you tell young women interested in sailing?

A: I'd love to see more women in sailing, particularly see more becoming professional sailors like Ella (Ella Hebron, Additional Qualified Person) and me. Anyone that is interested I'd say to just go for it, it can make you work hard but with some resilience and a good sense of humour it is so much fun. When you're sailing across oceans, being male or female means very little. Really all that counts is you're tough, willing to learn and get your hands dirty.

Link to the Washington, DC Team Hub

Plan to Join Us

Consider this your invitation to spend an afternoon or a weekend on Washington's waterfront as Waterway Guide Media, Events DC, and the Clipper Round the World Race celebrate the achievements and commitment of participants, sponsors, and crews. Mark your calendar and follow the race and schedule here.