The UK Government’s Scotland Office (through Brand Scotland) and Oban Distillery (Diageo) have joined forces to partner with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as they launch their team entry into the biennial event.
Founded by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in 1995, the Clipper Race is a 40,000-nautical mile circumnavigation of the globe, open to anyone regardless of previous sailing experience. Formed of ten teams racing identical stripped-back ocean-going yachts, non-professional Race Crew are led by a professional Skipper and First Mate.
On this record-breaking edition, 11 out of the 20 exceptional leaders – 55% – will be women, marking the first time this has been seen in a round the world sailing race. Two such professionals are Team Scotland’s Skipper Heather Thomas and First Mate Millie Apperley – one of two all female pairings on the Clipper Race.
With its branded 70ft racing yacht, the Clipper Race event will be utilised as a global platform to boost economic growth, trade promotion and inward investment into Scotland, whilst Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be using the platform to share Oban on a global stage, and to promote Scottish tourism.
With the upcoming 2025-26 edition getting underway on 31 August, It’s the only race of its kind to cross all six oceans, and the only one to include the formidable North Pacific in its global route. Participants can choose to sail one or multiple legs of the race or take on the full, eleven month long, global route.
The UK Government’s Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “It’s incredibly exciting that Brand Scotland is supporting the Scottish Clipper Race team competing in this year’s round the world yacht race – and I am very pleased that the race will be coming to Oban next year. The Team Scotland boat will help sell the very best of Scotland around the world, along with the message that Scotland is a great place to visit, do business and invest.
“This partnership agreement follows on from our Brand Scotland deals with the Edinburgh Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. We are using the best of our cultural offerings to promote Scotland to the world. We are looking forward to working with our other Team Scotland partners during the port calls the race will be making across the globe.
“Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s plan for change and growing our economy.”
Dafydd Pugh Williams, Managing Director, Scotland Brand Homes at Diageo, added: “We’re proud to support the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and to see Oban – home to one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries – featured as part of this global journey. Scotch whisky is a powerful symbol of Scotland’s heritage and hospitality, and our network of visitor experiences plays a vital role in welcoming tourists and supporting local communities. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to share the story of Scotland with the world.”
Heather Thomas’ journey to Clipper Race Skipper began in 2015 when she was awarded a bursary to join the Clipper 2015-16 Race. Fast forward ten years and over 100,000 nautical miles sailed, including twelve ocean crossings and leading Maiden to victory in the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race, she’s back to take the helm of Team Scotland when the race gets underway on 31 August.
Heather will be supported by First Mate Millie Apperley who has extensive sailing knowledge, starting out as a child and progressing to ocean racing. Now a Clipper Race First Mate, she’s eager to help lead her team, strengthen her offshore skills, and share her love of the strong bonds formed at sea.
Team Scotland Skipper Heather Thomas said: “It’s a real privilege to lead this team and represent Scotland on a global stage. Although I didn’t grow up in Scotland, I have spent a lot of time sailing in Scottish waters and have grown to really love the country.
“For me, this campaign isn’t just about the sailing. It’s about sharing what makes Scotland so unique – its resilience, creativity, and pride in where it’s come from. With support from Brand Scotland, Oban Distillery, and a whole bunch of amazing people behind us, we’re not just racing – we’re telling Scotland’s story. I’m proud to be part of it and can’t wait to see what’s next.”
The partnership will be supported by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMs), Argyll and Bute – The Place to 2Be and Oban, which hosted the Clipper Race fleet for the first time during the Clipper 2023-24 Race. Following a successful first stopover, which saw Race Crew embrace the town’s ‘Festival of Sea’ celebrations, this edition’s stopover, set for July 2026 and now complete with a home team entry, is set to be bigger than ever.
The Clipper 2025-26 Clipper will depart from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, on 31 August 2025, and stop at 14 ports around the globe. Confirmed destinations include Puerto Sherry (Spain), Punta del Este (Uruguay), Cape Town (South Africa), Fremantle (Australia), Qingdao (China), Tongyeong City (South Korea), Seattle (USA), Panama and Oban (Scotland).
Applications are still open for crew to sign up to participate in the Clipper 2025-26 Race, and applications for the 2027-28 edition are now open. To find out more visit clipperroundtheworld.com.
