SOUTHAMPTON-based round the world yacht racing company Clipper Ventures is celebrating the launch of the first of ten new boats for the next gruelling, 35,000-mile event.

The 68-foot boat, sponsored by Liverpool City Council, has been built to withstand the worst the seas can throw at it as 17-strong amateur international crews race around the globe.

Called Liverpool '08 - all the yachts will be sponsored by cities or countries, with Durban and Western Australia already on board - the vessel was named and launched at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club.

The new yachts, designed by the renowned Dubois Naval Architects, incorporate all the lessons and ideas learned in more than 1.2 million miles of racing during the four Clipper trips round the world to date.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman of Clipper Ventures, said: "This is another significant step for Clipper Ventures and an important date in the Clipper 05-06 Race calendar.

"Myself, the Clipper shore team and, most importantly, the crews that will race her around the world are extremely excited about putting Liverpool '08 through her paces on the water."

Clipper Venture, which is listed on the Alternative Invest-ment Market, is based at Shamrock Quay, employing 20 shore-based staff, plus a number of skippers and trainers.

The firm has also announced it has awarded Fast Track Sailing with a new eight-year partnership to act as exclusive global commercial and media partner for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Fast Track's objective is to raise £27m in sponsorship revenues over the course of the next four Clipper Races.

"What Fast Track Sailing has created is a sustainable sponsorship platform which builds long-term partnerships with cities around the world. We are delighted with the results and, as such, have awarded Fast Track Sailing the contract," said Sir Robin.

Clipper Ventures not only runs the amateur Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, but the professional 5-Oceans Round the World Yacht Race and Zapcat Racing around the UK as well.