********************************************************

The "Hong Kong Clipper" finished fourth in the Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht Race, which ended in Liverpool last Saturday (September 27, UK time).

The Invest Hong Kong sponsored-yacht clinched victory in the race's final sprint from Holyhead to Liverpool. However, the overall race was won by the "Jersey Clipper".

A fleet of eight Clipper yachts was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of 80,000 people along the Liverpool waterfront. The teams then passed into the inner docks to confetti and streamers, with the cheers of friends, families and fellow sailors.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, today (September 29) congratulated the crew of the "Hong Kong Clipper" on their high placing in the long race.

He said: "The team has demonstrated an extraordinary performance during this very competitive race and we are extremely proud of their achievement.

"We also enjoyed hosting the eight Clippers and the crew during their three-week stopover in Hong Kong from March 29, which made our city part of the six-leg, 16-race series."

Mr Rowse continued, "As one of the sponsors, Invest Hong Kong was delighted to be associated with this competition which gives us an opportunity to showcase Hong Kong's advantages within the context of a dynamic international sporting event.

"I would also like to thank the organisers for their excellent work."

The "Hong Kong Clipper" competed against seven other identical yachts, each backed by a city - New York, London, Cape Town, Glasgow, Jersey, Bristol and Liverpool.

The yachts set sail in Liverpool in October last year, taking part in the world's longest circumnavigation race covering 35,500 nautical miles.

The "Hong Kong Clipper" clinched victory in the first race from Liverpool to Cascais, Portugal, last November and also won the Hawaii to Yokohama race in early March.

For more information about the race, please visit the website at www.clipper-ventures.com.

End/Monday, September 29, 2003

NNNN