Coronavirus affects Clipper Race’s arrival in China

The coronavirus is not just causing disruption for cruise lines in China.

With Clipper Race teams due to arrive in Sanya, China from 10th February, completing the the 5th leg of the race, the Clipper Race Organising team is “closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak in China”.

Sanya is the first of three Chinese Host Ports on the Clipper 2019-20 Race Route, but it looks like the festivities upon arrival in the ‘Hawaii of China’ will be curtailed.

A recent update from the Clipper Race organising team states: “On instruction from government officials, the Sanya organising committee has informed the Clipper Race that all activities planned for the stopover in its city have been cancelled and it is currently planned that there will be a simple arrival and departure for the fleet. We understand that this decision has not been taken lightly as Sanya was a fantastic host during the 2017-18 edition.

“At present, the fleet is continuing its race towards Sanya. We are continuing to talk with the Chinese authorities and sympathise that this is an issue which is continually developing. We will advise as soon as we have any further official information.”