Clipper Round the World Race launch in Liverpool

Sunday was the launch of the Clipper Round the World Race. 10 clipper boats, 1 world. Its a huge task and I wish everyone good times. There was a huge turn out at the Albert Dock, which was great to see. The weather was great in Liverpool but by the time I’d made it to Wirral it had turned cold and the Mersey was quite choppy. Some little boats out there were all over the place. I was slightly glad that I’d passed on the press boat, but to be honest I was very annoyed with myself for doing so. I had this stupid idea that the boat would be sitting in the Mersey for 3 hours before anything happened. It didn’t and I missed out. I won’t be doing that again. When the race ends in Liverpool next year I really want to be on that boat for the finish. Still, I felt I got some good shots out of it thanks to the 100-400. I had a run in with health and safety too. Apparently I couldn’t stand by the fences by Canning Dock without a life jacket. Now I found that annoying because I’ve stood there many times to take photos. On any other day its a normal place to stand and everyone takes a photo there. No-one needed a life jacket around Albert Dock, which was far more dangerous to stand technically speaking. I really should have taken the boat. Oh well, still I’m happy with the photos and good luck to the clipper crews. I met some people from Qingdao so I hope they win, but also I hope the Liverpool 08 boat wins for obvious reasons.