Clipper yacht crew embark upon their latest adventure

Published on Wednesday 28 July 2010 20:03

THE Edinburgh clipper yacht is gearing up for a new challenge as it plans to set sail once again.

Despite only returning from a 35,000-mile round the world yacht race two weeks ago, the decks of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital are already being polished again after it was selected for the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race.

Crew members from the 2009-10 clipper race have signed up again for the 1800-mile competition, which begins on August 23, and other sailors from across the Capital are also set to join the team.

Alongside the English Hull & Humber clipper - the only other UK yacht taking part - Edinburgh Inspiring Capital will sail for a month.

The race kicks off from the Royal Yacht Squadron, in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and race clockwise around Britain and Ireland.

Edinburgh crew member Margot Rawson, 61, who completed the second leg of the 2009-10 race between Rio de Janeiro and Cape Town, said she was delighted to have been selected a second time.

She said: "I found out I'd be in the race today and I was very pleased because it went well the first time.

"However, it did leave me a little frustrated because by the third week I only just felt like I was getting the hang of it. I rather wish I'd stayed on to do the third leg, so it's nice to get the chance to do a bit more.

"I've no idea yet who I'll be sailing with but I'm confident it'll be an excellent experience. I've done a little sailing since taking part but it's quite expensive, so this competition is a bit of a rare treat."

Matt Pike, the skipper of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, will be handing over charge of the Scottish entry to Uniquely Singapore's skipper Jim Dobie for the latest race.

Mr Dobie said: "My dad is originally from Dumfries and I've still got some family there, so I hope to do them proud.

"It'll be nice to get back racing. It's a renowned race and, coming from Australia, it's a new race for me. To circumnavigate Britain and Ireland will be great."