JOIN THE ELITE AND LEAD A TEAM IN THE WORLD'S LONGEST ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE
Are you an experienced skipper ready for the ultimate challenge? Lead a team of well-trained non-professional crew in the Clipper 2027-28 Round the World Yacht Race or its future editions. Command the brand new Clipper RX ocean racing yacht in a 40,000 nautical mile lap of the globe. Leading a team through the world’s toughest waters, testing your leadership and tactical skills from the Roaring Forties to the North Pacific Ocean.
The Role
What's involved
It takes an exceptional candidate to skipper in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. We're not just looking for the best yacht racer or the best sailor, we're also looking for talented and qualified individuals with proven strong leadership and instructing backgrounds. You'll be in charge of a team of approximately 60 Race Crew, up to 22 of whom will be on board at any one time. You, along with the support of a professional mate on-board, have a unique opportunity to develop the different personalities in your team to create a competitive entry in the challenge of a lifetime.
The Benefits
Achieve a Circumnavigation
As a Race Skipper, you'll face the ultimate test in sailing— a circumnavigation of the globe under race conditions. This unique challenge will push your sailing skills and leadership to new heights. After navigating the world's toughest oceans and guiding your team to success, you'll leave knowing that if you can conquer this, there’s nothing in sailing you can’t achieve.
Clipper RX
The newest fleet edition
Developed in-house using 30 years of Clipper Race experience and input from 7,000+ crew, the next-generation 72ft fleet builds on three proven yacht designs. Led by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston with Nigel Irens and Fish Composites, the 12 identical yachts will race across six continents and the world’s most demanding oceans, including the Southern Ocean and North Pacific.
Role requirments
UK MCA Recognised Yachtmaster Ocean with Commercial Endorsement or IYT (International Yacht Training) Master of Yachts
ENG1 Seafarer's Medical Certificate
STCW Proficiency in Medical Care
STCW Basic Safety Training
Approved Engine Course (AEC)
GMDSS GOC with sat-com endorsement
RYA Yachtmaster Instructor or Cruising Instructor (Highly Desirable)
Qualifications in progress may be accepted in some circumstances.
Fluency in English (Spoken & Written)
Excellent leadership skills
Strong communication skills
Significant offshore/ocean experience (> 30,000NM) with significant proportion in command
High level of seamanship, practical yacht husbandry and maintenance skills
Yes, all applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom from March 2027 - September 2028. *Please note: there is limited potential for those with non UK work permit to be considered. Please flag your work status during your application.
Recruitment for Race Skippers for the Clipper 2027-28 Race is now open.
Register your interest by emailing raceskipper@clipper-ventures.com
You will be sent further information
Formal Application
Skipper trial selection
You will find out if you are shortlisted
Skippers will be selected
Do you have what it takes?
Recruitment for Race Skippers for the Clipper 2027-28 Race is now open.
Apply now