Finland to Promote Tourism Via Clipper Race

Finland has been confirmed as an entry in the Clipper 2009-10 Round the World Yacht Race, a debut for the Scandinavian country in the biennial event. The yacht, named Team Finland, will compete against nine identical stripped-down 68-foot racing yachts in the 35,000-mile race around the world, beginning Sept. 13 and ending July 17.

The Clipper Race provides a platform for delivering global market exposure. Joining the race for the first time will be California, whose participation has been endorsed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger following the Clipper fleet’s inaugural visit to the state in the last edition of the race.

Cape Breton Island, Spirit of Australia and Cork are also making their debuts and are joined by Edinburgh Inspiring Capital, whose recent announcement was endorsed by a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The 2009-10 race will start from the Humber on the east coast of England.

Endorsed by the Finnish Tourist Board, Finland’s entry will act as a floating billboard during the course of the 10-month race, promoting the region as a tourist destination and reaching an audience of more than 200 million.