Clipper Round The World Yacht Race launches in London

The twelve identical yachts of the 2015 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race at St Katharine's Docks, London. Credit: PA

The Clipper Round The World Yacht Race is launching from St Katherine's Docks.

Twelve teams will take part in the world's longest ocean race, at 40,000 nautical miles.

Watch the launch of the event live:

The event, which was founded in 1996 by veteran yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world 46 years ago, will involve 700 crew members from 41 different countries.

40% of crew members have never sailed before signing up for the race.

The crew members are all amateurs, with 40% having never sailed before signing up, although the skippers are professional sailors.

Race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston speaks to the sailors at a crew briefing. Credit: PA

Organisers said the crews come from all walks of life, "from chief executives and taxi drivers, to nurses, firemen, farmers, airline pilots and students".

The minimum age of participants is 18 but there is no upper age limit and the oldest crew member in this year's race is 74.