The biggest round-the-world nautical race will return to Liverpool for the first time in ten years.

Named as the start and finish partner for the Clipper 2017-18 Race, Liverpool’s Albert Dock will play host to the fleet and the thousands of visitors who are expected to attend.

The yachts will set sail from the Albert Dock on Sunday August 20 and will return 11 months later.

By Summer 2018, participants will have taken on a global route which includes stopovers in South America, Cape Town, Western Australia, Sydney, Hobart, East Coast Australia, Sanya and Qingdao – China, Seattle – USA, Panama, New York, and Derry Londonderry – Northern Ireland.

Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Clipper Race is returning to the historic city of Liverpool.

"A significant site for UK maritime history, I fondly remember the warm reception we received when Liverpool last hosted the Clipper Race and am looking forward to returning to Albert Dock again this August.

“The Clipper Race has grown enormously in number of participants, yacht entries, economic influence and media value since it was last hosted by Liverpool a decade ago and we are looking forward to putting on an even bigger show in the city this time, which will not just have significant local economic impact, but will also put a maritime spotlight on the city all around the world.”

This will be the fourth-time Liverpool has hosted the Clipper Race in its eleven editions, making the city the event’s most frequented start and finish port.

Spectators will be able to catch a glimpse of the Clipper Race fleet when it arrives in Liverpool on Monday 14 August.

A number of events and activities will also be held throughout the week leading up to the race start – a full schedule of the entertainment will be released in the next few months.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said: “It is a huge coup for Liverpool to once again play host to the start and finish of this prestigious race.

“This city embraces and thrives on maritime spectacles - our affinity with the River is always much-celebrated and being the start and finish partner of the Clipper 2017-18 Race is sure to attract thousands to our world-famous waterfront."

“Staging an event of this calibre puts the city once again on an international platform – and this now being our fourth time welcoming this event, it really feels like we are the home of the Clipper Race.

“The impact on the local economy as a result of this race will of course be huge, but the pride it will engender in the people of Liverpool is priceless as the international spotlight shines on the city once again. We look forward to welcoming the fleet, its crew and supporters.”

Created by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail non-stop around the world, the Clipper race is divided into eight legs and 14 to 16 individual races.

It is the only race in the world where the organisers supply a fleet of twelve racing yachts, each with a fully qualified skipper to safely guide the crew.

Sue Grindrod, chief executive, Albert Dock Liverpool, says: “The Clipper 2017-18 Race Start is going to be yet another spectacular event at Albert Dock this summer for our visitors.

“As one of the world’s most important maritime cities, it is a thrill to welcome back the race to the waterfront for a fourth time, with Liverpool yet again on the world stage, and Albert Dock firmly at the heart of the action.

"The yachtsmen and women are guaranteed a warm Liverpool welcome in August before they embark on their intrepid adventure.”