Clipper Round the World Race 2026

Clipper Round the World Race yachts sailing on the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the London skyline in the background during a major sailing event.

High-speed RIB powerboat cruising on the River Thames near the O2 Arena, with water spray captured in motion.

A truly unique around the world sailing race and also one of the largest offshore sailing challenges, the Clipper Round the World Race gives those with little or no sailing experience the chance to take on a massive endurance test whether for a single leg or throughout the circumnavigation

Clipper Round the World Race yacht ‘Visit Valletta’ sailing on the River Thames, crew on deck and colourful sponsor flags in bright evening light.

Clipper Race

The Race

Clipper was started by Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, the first person to sail non-stop around the world, and gives people from every walk of life the chance to experience what it’s like to take on the challenges of the open sea. A fleet of eleven identical racing yachts are owned by Clipper Ventures PLC and used for the challenge. Each yacht is captained by an appropriately qualified skipper who is assisted by a first mate, both of whom give instruction and guidance to the crew. The race takes the yachts through a 40,000 nautical mile journey, divided into eight legs with between thirteen and sixteen races. The course follows the prevailing currents and winds.

The Start

The 2025 race started on the 31st August from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. The yachts undertook a ‘Parade of Sail’ in front of Southsea Castle before reaching the official start line. Watching the 10 yachts set off is always a wonderful sight. It’s amazing how many friends, family and supporters turn up for each participant, which despite the crowds of thousands, lend a particular atmosphere to the event. We always have a fleet of Ribs on duty for the departure. With some Ribs being booked by Clipper Ventures themselves for the press, other Ribs are chartered by family and supporters to follow the parade of sail and wave farewell.

Follow Their Progress

The race takes teams across eight legs stopping off at several destinations along the way, including; South America, South Africa, Australia, China, North America, and the Philippines. If you’re interested in tracking the yachts on their journey, then visit Clipper Around the World and download their race tracker app to follow their progress.

Return of The Clipper

The next edition of the race will be the Clipper 2027-28 race, and is set to begin at the latter end of summer 2027. Divided into eight legs, including a total of six ocean crossings, it’s a record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race that is not to be missed.

Close Association

Solent Rib Charter have a particularly close association with Clipper Ventures, having worked with them for a number of years. We were very proud to provide a ‘guard of honour’ up the Solent to Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth for Sir Robin Knox-Johnston when he returned from his solo circumnavigation in 2007 at the age of 68 in the Velux 5 Ocean Race.

A group of people wearing life jackets enjoy a fast RIB boat ride on the Solent, smiling and waving as the boat cuts through the water with splashes around them.