Thousands lined the docks to watch the 12 vessels set out on their 11-month voyage around the globe from the River Mersey.

It will see them return to Liverpool in July next year to cross the finish line.

The yachts arrived in the city last Tuesday (August 15) and were treated with a traditionally Liverpudlian welcome as the city continues its bid for the Commonwealth Games in five years’ time.  

The waterfront is a key part of Liverpool’s transformational vision for the 2022 Games.

Athletics would take place at a new stadium for Everton Football Club in Bramley Moore Dock, while swimming would be held at a new innovative drop-in arena in the South Docks.

Pier Head is a proposed venue for cycling and triathlon and the ACC Liverpool would stage a host of indoor sports.

"This has been a fantastic weekend of sport in Liverpool showcasing our best natural assets - the River Mersey and our people - which has sent out a powerful statement of intent about our capability to host major events," Barwick said.

"It is a further boost to our efforts to persuade Government we can deliver on our plan to stage a responsible, inspirational, and transformational Commonwealth Games."

The launch of the Clipper Race was streamed live to a global audience and has been described as being testament to Liverpool’s ability to host major international sporting events.

The city also hosted the Gymnastics British Championships at the Echo Arena in March.

"Once again, our amazing city has proved why it has an unrivalled track record in staging major events in what was the climax of an incredibly successful week showcasing sailing," Liverpool's Mayor Joe Anderson said.

"The stunning backdrop of our incredible waterfront, married with the amazing sight of 12 yachts on the River Mersey, combined with the infectious enthusiasm of the spectators all came together to make a memorable day and shine the media spotlight on the city.

"We are now at a crucial stage in our bid to win the right to be the UK’s candidate city for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the timing of the launch of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race could not be more perfect."

Birmingham are the other city in England hoping to be selected as a candidate for the 2022 Games, which were stripped from Durban in March after they failed to meet a series of financial deadlines,

A decision on which of the two cities will be put forward is set to be made by Commonwealth Games England next month.

England are not the only country in the frame to replace South Africa.

Victoria in Canada has indicated that it will bid, while Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur could be another contender.

Australia has also expressed an interest, but this seems unlikely with Gold Coast hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The country has said they will only formally enter the race if another host cannot be found.