The crew members of Qingdao pose for a photo on podium on Feb 23. The team went into Race 7: The Forever Tropical Paradise Race to Sanya in second place in the overall standings and just two points off leader Sanya Serenity Coast. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Around 200 people from all walks of life and representing 22 different nationalities are taking part in the fifth of eight Legs that make up the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

The Clipper Race is unique as it is raced by ordinary people. In 1996, legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world in 1968-69, founded the race as a way to give everyone, no matter their sailing experience, the chance to become an ocean racer. Approximately 40 per cent of crew members have never sailed before they sign up for the 40,000 nautical miles circumnavigation, which is divided into eight legs and features six ocean crossings.

The eleven Clipper Race yachts, along with their crew and supporters, will be based at Sanya Serenity Coast Marina and will enjoy the activities and excitement of the Clipper Race Village – a hub featuring food stalls, model yacht racing and the Clipper Race Dome where people can experience what it is like on board via virtual reality googles or try their skills at the Marlow Rope Knot Tying Station.

Race 8, which will see the teams head approximately 1,700 nautical miles to Qingdao starts on 4 March. From there, teams will head across the mighty Pacific Ocean to Seattle, before racing to Panama, New York, Derry-Londonderry, and Liverpool, where the Clipper 2017-18 Race will finish on July 28, 2018.