Raced by people from all walks of life, including plumbers, teachers, chefs and former funeral directors, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race gets underway this Sunday 31 August from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.
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 10 teams racing identical 70ft yachts, non-professional Race Crew are led by a professional Skipper and First Mate. Race Crew can choose to sign up to one, multiple or all of the race’s eight legs.
Head to Gunwharf Quays for a fun-filled weekend of festivities as the Clipper Race fleet prepares to set sail on this one-of-a-kind race around the globe. This is your chance to see the world’s largest matched fleet of 70ft ocean racing yachts before it embarks on an epic race across six continents.
From yacht tours to talks, discovery zones and the chance to meet some ‘local legends’ taking part in the race, the festivities have been designed to spark imagination, ignite adventure and make lasting memories for all the family. Don’t miss the start of something extraordinary!
CLIPPER RACE START FESTIVITIES FRIDAY 29 – SUNDAY 31 AUGUST:
Future Crew Zone
Suitable for budding adventurers of all ages, our Future Crew Zone is where curious minds can dive into the world of ocean racing in a family friendly atmosphere. Get involved in themed activities including face painting, design your own Clipper 70 yacht competition and more!
EXPLORE THE FANZONE
Discover more about the Clipper 2025-26 Race in the FANZONE, where you can meet the courageous Race Crew, learn about the route and meet the Official Suppliers and Partners that help bring the Clipper Race to life. You can even join in as they team up with the Final Straw Foundation in a beach clean, learning more about how we can all help reduce plastic pollution, and meet the Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS).
Wondering how YOU could become an ocean racer? Come and chat to the team in the Discovery Dome!
Tour a Clipper Ocean Racing Yacht – 29-30 August 2025
Don’t miss a tour of the magnificent ocean racing fleet, above and below deck. Feed your curiosity about onboard living conditions, technology and life at a 40º angle in extreme weather conditions.
The tours are free to attend but booking is required: https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/port/portsmouth-gunwharf-quays/2025-26
CLIPPER 68 MOTOR TOURS – 29 August 2025
Learn more about life onboard one of these unique yachts as you motor on the Solent. The Clipper 68s have sailed around the world four times and are the yachts that our Clipper 2025-26 Race crew have trained on, ready to cross the world’s oceans. Have the opportunity to chat with the Skipper, First and Second Mates about their sailing experiences.
There is a cost of £5 per person for the motor tours, which will be donated to Clipper Race Charity Partner UNICEF.
FREE Discovery Talk – ASPEX PORTSMOUTH – 30 August 2025 | 1000
Have you got what it takes to race across the world’s oceans?
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is on the lookout for its next batch of adventurers – with no previous experience required. Think it’s for you? Come along to a Discovery Talk, designed to inspire those eager to test their limits.
Live Music 29-31 August 2025
They’ll be celebrating the very best emerging talent from Portsmouth and across the region. Come down and show your support for some amazing local talent.
WATCH THE ACTION – THE CLIPPER RACE START – 31 August 2025
Whether you’re on shore or on the water, watching the fleet depart on its 40,000nm race around the world will be an unforgettable experience.
On shore at Gunwharf Quays, festivities continue in the morning and at 1230 Clipper Race teams will take to the stage followed by a departure ceremony at 1330.
For an up-close and exhilarating view of the Clipper 2025-26 Race Start, recreational boat owners are invited to watch from the water. Join a flotilla of fellow enthusiasts and witness the racing fleet cross the Start Line from the best seat in the house—your own boat.
ON SHORE Viewing Locations
Once the fleet has departed from Gunwharf Quays (just after 1400) there are some fantastic viewing locations to catch the action on the water.
DISTANCE FROM GUNWHARF QUAYS
1. Area surrounding Southsea Castle // 35 mins (1.7 miles) (1456)
2. Battery Wall // 15 mins (0.6 miles)
3. Hotwalls Beach // 15 mins (0.7 miles) (1443)
4. Round Tower // 15 mins (0.7 miles)
5. The Point // 17 mins (0.8 miles)
LOCAL HEROES TAKING PART IN THE CLIPPER RACE
Clipper Race Crew come from all over the globe with a total of 42 nationalities represented in this edition. Race Crew who are from the region include:
Steve Pearce – retired COO and funeral director from Portsmouth – Racing Leg 1 and 8
Amy Walshe, 48 – Quantity Surveyor from Portsmouth – Racing Leg 1
Thomas Roy, 18 – Student and youngest circumnavigator on this edition, from Southampton – Circumnavigator
Marcie Perrow, 29 – Nurse from Romsey – Racing Leg 5 and 6
In addition to Clipper Race Crew, some of the professional sailing staff leading the teams are from the region, include:
Ella Hebron – Skipper of Washington, DC – from Eastbourne, East Sussex
Diana Vega – First Mate on UNICEF – from Cowes, Isle of Wight
Faith Nordbruch – First Mate on Qingdao – from Cowes, Isle of Wight
Charlie Cullen – First Mate on GOSH – from Worthing, West Sussex
