Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
TAKE PART IN THE WORLD'S TOUGHEST OCEAN ADVENTURE
Raced by people like you, this global ocean race is an endurance challenge like no other. Race 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 a complete novice to become an ocean racer as part of a team onboard a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. Together you’ll face the world’s most extreme ocean conditions and mental challenges before returning victorious.
NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED /// WORLD CLASS TRAINING PROVIDED
70ft Racing Yachts
10
Exhilarating Race Legs
8
Race Crew
700+
Levels of Training
4
ONE GLOBAL CIRCUMNAVIGATION
Download info packThe Clipper 2025-26 Race will mark the 14th edition and circumnavigation of our 30 year history.
A Race Around the World
Link arrowRACE TRAINING
NOVICE TO OCEAN RACER
Even if you have never sailed before, our mandatory four level programme will enable you to take on some of the most extreme environments on the planet with confidence.
Link arrowIT'S TIME TO
ACHIEVE SOMETHING REMARKABLE
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 fickle winds of the doldrums, now you can prove to yourself what you are truly capable of.
Link arrowTHIS WILL BE
THE RACE OF YOUR LIFE
It's hard to put into words the incredible moments that you will experience as Race Crew at sea. Skies painted with brightly lit stars, the sheer power of towering waves, drifting alongside dolphins in the doldrums. Ocean racing will enable you to encounter a true ocean wilderness, and all of the wonders that come with it.
Link arrowThe Fleet
SAILING PURITY
The Clipper 70 ocean racing yacht offers an authentic sailing experience, requiring hands-on navigation and sail handling, fostering a deep connection between sailor and sea. Every aspect of racing to victory, from hoisting sails to navigating challenging conditions, will showcase your skill and determination.
Crew Stories
Swapping desks for deck
Regina, Actuary, 39
Circumnavigator on board Bekezela
Na Kyung ‘Regina’ Lee, 39, pushed her limits and achieved the remarkable. She became the first Korean woman to circumnavigate the globe under sail, ticking this huge accomplishment off her bucket list.
Crew Stories
From behind the lens to leading the fleet
Patrick, Camera Assistant, 35
Circumnavigator on board Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam
A born adventurer, Paddy joined the Clipper Race to step back from the day to day, to look at life from a distance and reconnect with challenge and excitement.
Crew Stories
Tools down, sails up
Fernanda, Cabinet Maker, 40
Legger on board Punta del Este
Discover how Fernanda Nunez, an award winning cabinet maker from Uruguay traded her chisels for charts and found an entirely new blueprint for life far beyond the workshop walls.
Crew Stories
Escaping the corporate rat race
Olaf, Engineer, 58
Circumnavigator on board Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam
A chance encounter with the Clipper Race team at Boot Düsseldorf set Olaf on a life-changing course; signing up for the full circumnavigation, packing his life up and heading to sea - a decision he never regretted.
FAQs
Yes – potentially! Our Race Crew come from all walks of life: You must be aged 18 or over when you take part in the race, however you can apply at 16 and train at 17. We have even had crew in their early 70s take part. The most important thing is that you are both mentally and physically strong enough to take part as this is a big physical and mental challenge!
Around 30% of crew members on each team will have done little or no sailing before they train with us. Others will have a range of sailing experience which might be dinghy sailing, flotilla holidays or crew with further advanced RYA qualifications and possibly experience of looking after their own boat. The one thing you will all have in common is that you’re looking to take part in a unique challenge, test your limits and find out if you have what it takes to traverse the oceans of the world.
The time you will need varies from leg to leg. The durations quoted on our “Build Your Race” section of the website and in the information pack, are for the approximate number of sailing days, so you will need to factor in additional time at each end of your leg and also any Host Port stopovers within the leg itself. Legs 2, 3 and 4 were the shortest in the 2023-24 edition at approximately four to five weeks and most of the other legs are between six to eight weeks.
Yes, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of our 70-foot Clipper Race yachts at many of our key events including Race Start and Finish and stopovers around the world. We also host regular 'open boats' at our Training HQ in Gosport. Check out our events page or email oceanracer@clipper-ventures.com for details of tours coming up.