1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the King's Harbour Master Portsmouth, that the Clipper 2023 -2024 Round the World Race will start off Southsea Castle at 1600 on Sunday 3 September 2023.
2. The fleet consists of eleven, 70 ft sailing yachts, which will depart Gunwharf Quays Marina, Portsmouth at approximately three-minute intervals from 1330 to 1400. Then will then re group in the vicinity of the ‘Upper Harbour Ammunition Facility’ (UHAF).
3. At approximately 1430 the fleet will form up and begin a parade of sail from the UHAF to Boyne Buoy, which should be completed by 1500. The main channel will be closed from 1430 to 1500. The Small Boat Channel, available for vessels under 20m, will remain open during this time.
4. The fleet will then be held to the east of the Main Channel until 1550. The start line will be formed from a line intersecting Southsea Castle and Castle buoy. The start will commence at 1600. The first mark will be Spit Sand Fort which shall be left to port. The fleet will then leave the following marks to starboard before exiting the Eastern Solent, North Sturbridge, NE Ryde Middle, Stokes Bay Central and Warner.
5. The main channel will be closed south from 1 and 2 Bar buoys to OSB and Saddle from 1545 to 1615.
6. There will be four marshal RHIBS which will be identified by orange marshal flags.
7. Three Clipper 68 vessels will be to the north of the Swashway and another Clipper 68 vessel will be present south east of Spit Sand Fort. These will be identified by orange marshal flags.
8. Full details can be found online here:
https://discover.clipperroundtheworld.com/race-start/
9. Channel closures will be promulgated by KHM on VHF channel 11.
10. Mariners are requested to avoid the area and navigate with caution in the vicinity of the parade of sail and the race start area.
11. Cancel this Local Notice to Mariners 5 September 2023.
Friday 25 Aug 2023
N J RANDALL
King's Harbour Master
Owners, Agents, Charterers, Marinas, Yacht Clubs and Recreational Sailing Organisations should ensure that the contents of this Notice are made known to the masters or persons in charge of their vessels or craft.
