Yachts arrive before Clipper race

The race will cover 35,000 miles before returning to Liverpool

The fleet for this year's Clipper round-the-world yacht race has arrived in Liverpool.

Ten 68ft (21m) yachts sailed into Liverpool on Saturday to begin a week of final preparations before the race, which is due to start next Sunday.

The race takes in a 35,000 mile route around the globe. The fleet is due to arrive back in Liverpool next July for the Capital of Culture celebrations.

Council Leader Warren Bradley said he was delighted the yachts were back.

Each of the 10 yachts is crewed by non-professional sailors and led by a professional skipper, making it unique in world yacht racing.

Mr Bradley said: "We are delighted to welcome the Clipper yachts and their crews back to Liverpool, as they get ready for the start of the sixth round-the-world race.

"This is the third time that Liverpool has acted as host city, and our involvement in the race has been a great international platform for promoting Liverpool and raising the city's profile.

"The race, which finishes next summer, promises to be one of the maritime highlights of our Capital of Culture calendar, coming just before the start of the Tall Ships' Race."