A yacht race that takes in sights around the world will this year miss out Southampton.

The Clipper Round the World race was held in the city in 2011 and 2012, but this year will begin in Liverpool after Southampton City Council wasn’t approached.

The event visits six continents, with the race having started in London for the last two years.

Anyone can enter the 40,000-nautical mile race on a 70-foot racing yacht. It is divided into eight legs for participants who undergo an intense training course.

This year 23 crew members are from Hampshire, with two from Southampton and two from Winchester.

Southampton City Council say they weren’t asked by Clipper to host the race this year after its successful hosting five years ago.

Satvir Kaur, cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “It is at a time when we are trying to enhance maritime in the city and Southampton Sailing Week is a prime example of that.”

The sailing week is a six-day event celebrating Southampton and Solent waters from May 24-29.

Organiser of the event Chris Rees said: “The city is synonymous with sailing and, thanks to substantial investment over recent years, is better placed than ever before to host the start of such a prestigious race.”

When asked why Southampton was not approached to host the race, Clipper was unable to provide a comment.