A busy river scene on the Mersey at the start of the 2005 Clipper Race in front of the Royal Liver Building built in 1908 by the Insurance Company of that name .. The City of Liverpool was granted Royal recognition by King John in 1207 being known then as Lyverpole .. The race ended on the same spot one year and 35,000 miles later with the winner being the Aussie boat Western Australia on their first attempt at the race ..