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The city took part in the same race in 2000, and the trade links and friendships, which were established over the 11 months of the event, are hard to beat.

This gruelling global contest, due to set sail from the UK in October 2002, will build upon the challenging and close racing that crews experienced as they followed a similar route round the world on the three successful previous Clipper races. Clipper 2002 will follow a predominately downwind route following the trade winds and passing through some of the classic yacht racing territories, stopping at cities in Europe and Asia, as well as North and South America.

Race organisers, Clipper Ventures Plc, the AIM listed marine events company, announced recently that Cape Town had become Clipper 2002's first international entry and the race has already attracted interest from other cities in the UK, with at least one city from Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales expected to take part.

Glasgow Clipper's crew enjoyed a popular reputation in The Times Clipper 2000 race and a consistent needle match between Leeds and Glasgow thrived throughout the eleven months of racing. Supporters of the Scottish entry will be eager to see Glasgow Clipper improve on their eighth position in the last Clipper race and to provide the crew with a fighting chance in the 2002 race, the hunt is now on for ten major corporate sponsors who wish to use this unique opportunity to billboard their business. A £25,000 sponsorship package buys prominent signage on the dynamic 60ft racing yacht and offers a host of media, marketing and promotional opportunities in the UK and overseas.

Later today on the banks of the Clyde, at the heart of Glasgow's seafaring traditions, the Lord Provost, Alex Mosson, along with Richard Cooper, Managing Director of Clipper Ventures Plc, will launch a competition to find three crewmembers to be sponsored by Glasgow City Council.

Commenting on today's announcement, the Lord Provost said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Glasgow to sail some of the most challenging oceans in the world. But one of the most exciting aspects is that this race is going to give Glaswegians the chance to get behind their team and their city as they compete against their rivals. I wish the crew every success in their training over the coming months and the race itself."

Richard Cooper added, "We are delighted that Glasgow is participating in the Clipper 2002 race. The challenge of the sea and elements, and its unique route, is what makes the Clipper 2002 race one of life's last real challenges in today's world and we are sure that Glasgow will rise to this once again."