With the Department of Tourism announcing the reopening of the country to international travelers from 157 visa-free countries beginning February 10, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race organizers and skippers start arriving at Clark International Airport, where strict measures are in place to ensure compliance with health standards and IATF requirements.
The race is set to restart in March 2022 from Subic.
The Clipper Round the World race is one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world. Covering 40,000 nautical miles, and having been held every two years since 1996, the 2019-20 iteration was suspended mid-race in March of 2020 as teams returned to their home countries as the Philippines closed its borders due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The yachts have, since then, remained berthed in Subic Bay Yacht Club.
Bi Yong Chungunco, CEO of Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) which operates Clark International Airport welcomed the teams back to the Philippines: “We welcome the organizers and racers of the Clipper Race at Clark as we bid them the best in their goals to complete the long overdue race. Their arrival is a testament to the role of Clark as the gateway to Luzon, serving Northern and Central Luzon destinations like Subic. We look forward to making Philippine destinations more accessible as we open up to leisure travelers in line with the protocols set by our authorities.”
Race participants started arriving on February 4 for the preparations for the restart of the race. All participants are fully-vaccinated and will undergo testing on arrival in the country, in compliance with IATF rules.
