clipper race yachts

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED, WORLD-CLASS TRAINING PROVIDED

RACE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC

Clipper 2025-26 round the world yacht race.

Raced by people like you, this global ocean race is an endurance challenge like no other. Crew come from all walks of life and nations around the world to tackle one or multiple legs of the record-breaking circumnavigation. Train from novice to become an ocean racer as part of a team onboard a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. Guided by a professional race skipper and first mate you’ll face the world’s most extreme ocean conditions and mental challenges before returning victorious.

IDENTICAL 70 FT RACING YACHTS

Amateur  race crew, exhilarating race  legs, one global circumnavigation.

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THE WORLD IS YOUR RACE TRACK

Led by a professional Skipper and Mate, you can choose to compete in the full 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation, or test yourself on one or more of the eight unique race legs to suit your schedule and budget. This bucket list experience can see you taking on the notorious Atlantic, Southern Ocean and North Pacific including stopovers in some of the world's most spectacular destinations.

We take lessons from having raced more than 3 million miles and apply them to our pioneering four-level training. Even if you have never sailed before, our mandatory program will enable you to take on some of the most extreme environments on the planet with confidence. As part of your training package we'll kit you out with cutting edge foul weather gear, tried, tested and approved by the world's top professional sailors.

OUR WORLD CLASS TRAINING PROGRAM

Can't sail start here.

Discover what we are looking for in our Race Crew, the selection process, training for ocean race conditions and what you can expect from the Clipper Race experience. Find out everything you need to know and get your questions answered live.

DISCOVERY WEBINAR

"BY TAKING ON MOTHER NATURE’S TOUGHEST CONDITIONS, WE WIDEN OUR HORIZONS AND HAVE MEMORIES TO CHERISH THAT CAN ONLY BE WON THROUGH EXPERI ENCE AND TEAMWORK"

SIR ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSTON

The world's first solo, non-stop circumnavigator, chairman | clipper round the world yacht race.

+44 (0) 2392 526000

1A Granary & Bakery Building Royal Clarence Yard Weevil Lane Gosport,  PO12 1FX 

[email protected] 

WE KNOW YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES,   BUT DO YOU?

Let the sea set you free.

Release the shackles of normality.  With adventure your guide, courage your companion you'll chase unfamiliar stars to distant lands and follow the horizon to its edge and keep going. You will be humbled by the fury of mother nature and rewarded in equal measure, with vibrant displays from the natural world.

The Clipper Race will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, stretching both your physical and mental limits. Whether you're looking for the challenge of epic ocean storms, facing 15m waves and hurricane-force winds, or the tactical challenge of navigating the Doldrums now you can prove to yourself what you are truly capable of.

ACHIEVE SOMETHING REMARKABLE

This will be the race of your life.

BUILD YOUR RACE

Build a  race experience aligned with your desired level of challenge and budget in mind.

CLIPPER ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE

An adventure like.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a renowned and extraordinary sailing event that pushes participants to their limits.

Spanning over 40,000 nautical miles, this epic race takes non-professional sailors on a challenging journey around the globe.

Divided into multiple legs, teams navigate epic sea states, battle unpredictable weather conditions, and experience the thrill of ocean racing.

With a fleet of identical yachts, the race promotes camaraderie, teamwork, and personal growth, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ambitious individuals to embrace the extraordinary world of offshore sailing.

CIRCUMNAVIGATION

Race Crew choose to participate in one leg, combine several or complete the full eleven month circumnavigation, a profound experience that expands horizons, tests limits, and fosters a deep appreciation for the vastness and diversity of our planet.

CLIPPER 70 FLEET

The Clipper 70 racing fleet of eleven identical cutting-edge, high-performance yachts is specifically designed for the demanding challenges of ocean racing. These state-of-the-art vessels showcase innovation, speed, and reliability, providing a thrilling platform for teams to compete safely in the Clipper Race.

Our brands centre around adventure and breaking out of comfort zones to embrace the unknown. To do this successfully, safety is core to what we undertake everyday, for everyone.

Clipper Race Fleet Week at The Wharf Presented by Events DC

Experience the exhilaration of eleven Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts arriving in Washington, DC having completed seven out of eight legs of the 40,000nm eleven-month Clipper Race circumnavigation. This includes the Washington, DC home boat which has been flying the flag for the city since the race began last year. The fleet will be berthed at The Wharf from June 17 to June 25, with over 200+ Race Crew due in the Capital city having raced across the world's toughest oceans. In a week of FREE activity, come on down and hop on board to tour the yachts they call home, visit the fanzone to find out more about racing around the world, and watch the celebrations as they head off on the final leg of the adventure. Visit the Clipper Round the World Official Webpage

FREE Clipper Race Fanzone

Friday, June 21 | 5pm-9pm Saturday, June 22 - Sunday, June 23 | 11am-6pm Tuesday, June 24 | 6pm-9pm Visit the FREE Clipper Race Fanzone. Do you want to learn more about the Clipper Race, the world's toughest ocean challenge? Then come and visit the Clipper Race Fanzone, where you can learn about this incredible adventure and how you can get involved in the next edition. Tour a Clipper 70 racing yacht for FREE. Bring your family and step on board a Clipper 70 stripped down ocean racing yacht. Take an above and below deck tour and hear the stories of the intrepid Race Crew. There will also be live art demonstrations, live music, performances, and more.

Sounds of DC Floating Stage Schedule

Clipper Connect Business Series

Friday, June 21 | 3pm-5pm Clipper Connect Business Series is coming to Washington, DC. Delve into the critical topic of water conservation and protection. The esteemed panellists will lead discussion on the significance of the Clean Water Act and other vital initiatives aimed at safeguarding our precious waterways. Discover how businesses can play a pivotal role in preserving clean and safe environments for generations to come.

Interested in attending? Email [email protected] to register your interest.

Clipper Departure and Fireworks

Tuesday, June 25 | 6pm-10pm Featuring DJ Pryme and Crank Caviar 6:00 pm: Departure festivities begin featuring DJ Pryme and Crank Caviar 8:15 pm: Slipping lines ceremony 9:00 pm: Fireworks display and parade of sail 

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Browse the Shops

Whether you’re looking for something specific or simply like to spend a few hours in our unique collection of stores, chances are you’ll find just what you’re looking for at our shops at The Wharf. And, of course, you can always treat yourself to a delicious dessert—or celebrate your shopping finds with a drink at one of our restaurants.

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The sprint is on: Clipper Race fleet heads for Airlie Beach in short, tactical offshore race

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Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Coming to Oban!

The Clipper Race is renowned as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, welcoming adventurers from all walks of life to take on the exceptional challenge of racing across the world’s oceans on board a 70ft yacht. This unique event sees teams battle extreme conditions on its eleven-month circumnavigation and for the first time in its 27-year history, The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be making a stop in Scotland when it sails to Oban on its homecoming leg. 

Oban will host a number of events from Monday, 12th to Sunday 21st July to celebrate The Clipper Race historic Scotland stop. Follow the yachts' progress here.

The Clipper Race In Action

Oban Programme of Events

Join in with events happening in Oban celebrating the many ways to enjoy the coastline and The Clipper Race arrival. Download our Visitor Map below to see where the action takes place!

SPECTATOR & TURN UP EVENTS

• 12th to 16th July, North Pier Pontoon - Welcome The Clipper Race Fleet - 11 Clipper 70 Yachts arrive in Oban. Track their arrival here.
• 13th & 14th July, from 12pm, Dingy Park, Oban Sailing Club - WASZP Scottish Championships - exciting shore spectator opportunity as Oban Sailing Club hosts WASZP Scottish Championship.
• 14th July, 11am to 4pm, Dunstaffnage Castle Car Park - RYA Coastal Beach Clean - No need to book, just turn up. More info here.
• 15th July, 6pm to 9pm, Oban Sailing Club - Monday Mayhem.  See Oban's young sailors take part in water events in the bay.
• 15th to 19th July, 10am to 4pm, North Pier - Ocean Science Busking event . Dive into some of the latest advances in our understanding about the ocean: be inspired, amazed, and entertained by our students, researchers and conservationists. 
• 16th July, from 6pm, Oban Sailing Club - Keel Boat Racing .
• 16th to 21st July, 9am to 5pm, North Pier - Clipper Race Fanzone - Learn about the Clipper Race, the world’s toughest ocean challenge, and how you can get involved in the next race.
• 17th to 21st July, 10am to 4pm, Rockfield Centre - Food & Drink Village - Showcasing artisan produce from lochs, coasts, glens and islands of Argyll. Stalls include dairy, meat, seafood, preserves, baking, oils, chocolate, sauces, biscuits, tea, coffee and store cupboard staples, local gins, craft beer and spirits.
• 17th to 19th July, 2pm to 3.30pm, Corran Halls - Gaelic Taster Sessions - Gaelic Taster drop-in sessions. Fun, informal introduction to Gaelic words and phrases. No booking needed!
• 17th July, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, Cuan Mor - Chop for Charity Join Clipper Race crew for a haircut and/or beard trim with donations to UNICEF & The Little Princess Trust. No need to book. 
• 18 th July, 11am to 4pm, Oban Sailing Club - Autism on the Water. Free sailing trips for people on the autistic spectrum and their parents & carers on yacht “Confidence” including a “sail by” pass the Clipper Race fleet at the North Pier Pontoon. Enjoy activities for all ages in the clubhouse!
• 18th & 19th July, 10am to 6pm, North Pier Pontoon - Tour a Clipper 70 Racing Yacht - Bring the family and step on board a Clipper 70 stripped down ocean racing yacht. Take an above and below deck tour with the Race Crew that have called these yachts home for eleven months - Free and no need to book!
• 20th July, 3pm,  from Black Lynn River (opposite Roxy's Restaurant), Rotary Annual Duck Race - Sponsor a duck for charity at Station Square from Friday 19th.
• 20th July, 1pm, Town Centre Beach - The Great Oban Bay Raft Race - Get a team, build a raft & compete! Register from 11.30am at Kwik Fit or The Royal Hotel or email [email protected]
• 20th July, 10am to 4pm, North Pier - RNLI Lifejacket Clinic & Water Safety stand.
• 21st July, 10.30am - Clipper Race crew are piped down to the North Pier Pontoons for the race start preparations.

10.30am - Crew Parade: Watch as the Clipper Race crew are piped down from Station Square to the North Pier for the Race Start preparations.

• 12pm to 12.30pm - Slipping the Line: Come and cheer on the 11 teams as they slip lines and commence preparations for the Parade of Sail from 12:00 pm to 12.30pm.
• 1pm, Parade of Sail - From Kerrera Marina across Oban Bay past Dunollie Lighthouse out to Dunstaffnage.

3pm Clipper Race Start: From Dunstaffnage.

BOOK IN ADVANCE & TICKETED EVENTS

• 17th & 18th July, 11am & 2pm, North Pier - Guided walking tours around the town, £12 per person. Book tickets here . 
• 18th July, 10am to 4pm, Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) - Ocean Kindness: how to use the sea sustainably . A free walking tour with talks, demonstrations and hands-on science. Free mini bus from Corran Halls to SAMS, every 30 mins - 10 mins journey time. Book tickets here.
• 19th July, 6.30pm to 7.30pm (arrive from 6pm), Rockfield Centre - Clipper Race Discovery Talk: Become an Ocean Racer - Hear from the Clipper Race crew and team all about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Free to attend. Book tickets here.
• 19th July, 7pm, The View  - Join the Clipper crew of Ha Long Bay for their UNICEF fundraiser. A night of quizzing, raffling, and assorted hi-jinks!  Book tickets here .
• 19th July, 7.30pm, Argyllshire Gathering Halls - The crew of Our Isles and Oceans and Mòd an Òbain 2024 have teamed up to host a stellar cèilidh dance. With entertainment and cèilidh dancing provided by The Sileas Sinclair Band, as well as some special guests and the chance to win some raffle prizes or test your aim with the whisky toss, it's bound to be a night to remember. Book tickets here .
• 20th July, 7pm, Corran Halls - Come join us for an unforgettable night of music with Skerryore in concert - Book your ticket .
• 20th July, 11am, Dunollie Castle - Pirates, Mermaids and the Ocean  - Spend the day enjoying nautical themed fun for all ages. Take part in workshops, craft activities, storytelling, and take the explorer’s quest through Dunollie’s enchanting woodland grounds. Fancy dress is welcome. Book tickets here.

Download The Clipper Race Visitor Map

Festival of the Sea

Clipper race fleet arrives in oban.

Visitors can watch the yachts as they sail in from Oban – find out where they are from here Clipper 2023-24 Race Viewer 

Food Village, 17th - 21st July

Wednesday 17th july.

H20 Designs

Lismore Luminations

Highland Fold

Wild Barn Brewery

Caledonian Oysters

Isle of Mull Coffee Roastery

Argyll and Bute Cheeses

Food from Argyll Café

Forest, Field and Glen

Kilmartin Gin

Annie's Herb Kitchen

Northern Light Cakery

The Scottish Seaweed Association

Thursday 18th July

James Coogan Ceramics

Hilda Smith Fyne Art

Hazel Rose Jewellery

Spirited Soaps

Slainte Sauces

Inverlonan Bakery

Friday 19th July

Calma Shores

A Touch of Glass

Lesley Burr

Skipness Smokehouse

Saturday 20th July

Braw Liquor Club

Scottish Island Art

Sea Drift Pottery

Deer Island Rum

The Tobermory Fish Company

Isle of Mull Seaweed

Sunday 21st July

Melbula Art Studio

Beaufort Publishing

Argyll Abode

Accommodation in Oban, Lorn & the Isles

Enjoy town centre, seaside or country hotels, with options to suit most guests. 

GUEST HOUSES

There is a wonderful choice of guesthouses incuding budget and luxury options.

BED & BREAKFASTS

Enjoy overnight accommodation with a range of breakfast options from full Scottish to continental.

SELF CATERING

There are many self catering experiences in Oban and the surrounding area.

Discover a small number of hostels great for families, groups and individuals.

CARAVAN PARKS

Pitch up your tent, pull up your caravan or motorhome – or stay self-catering in a holiday park.

How will you travel?

Scroll down for more useful information on all methods of transport.

The train is the easiest and most scenic way to reach Oban. Trains run daily directly from Glasgow Queen Street Station.

West Coast Motors offers bus services throughout Oban and beyond, while Citylink provides service between Glasgow and Oban.

CalMac offer services to the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, Mull & Iona, Colonsay, Barra, Tiree & Coll.

Oban Airport is your gateway to the Isles – linking the mainland with the islands Coll, Colonsay, Islay and Tiree.

The Clipper Race and associated events are proudly sponsored by

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Race history.

Since the first Clipper Race crew left Plymouth in October 1996 on board eight 60-foot yachts, the race’s increase in size is almost immeasurable. Today more than 5,000 people and three generations of Clipper ocean racing fleets have competed in what is known to be the world’s toughest ocean racing challenge.

The route of each edition of the race is unique, often formed by Host Ports around the globe. In the race’s history, more than fifty cities have have played host to the Clipper Race.

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