Let's get ready to race: Crew Allocation unites global adventurers and kicks off Clipper 2025-26 Race

Ready, set.. sail! Crew Allocation unites our global adventurers and kicks off the Clipper 2025-26 Race.

Over 400 Race Crew from across the globe gathered in Portsmouth, UK on Saturday (17 May) to be allocated the teams they will race up to 40,000 nautical miles around the world with. It’s a big deal; these strangers will become as close-knit as family whilst they spend up to eleven months in each other’s pockets as they push themselves to their limits in the world’s toughest endurance challenge.  

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The building energy in the auditorium was infectious as future crew, and their supporters, chatted, laughed and mingled before the day got underway. 

The initial big announcement was the ten Skipper and First Mate pairings, then, as each of the professional duos took to the stage in Portsmouth’s Guildhall, a sea of lights we’re emitted from the wristbands of Race Crew they would call their team for the upcoming circumnavigation. 

Alistair Dickson, one of the Skippers preparing to lead a team in the upcoming edition, said: “I was blown away by the Crew Allocation session. I felt incredibly proud - and a little humbled - to be part of something so special; and to see the energy and excitement on the crew’s faces as the announcements were made.” 

Diana Vega, who is the First Mate alongside Skipper Guy Waites on Team UNICEF, said: “Team UNICEF has 17 nationalities on board this race, all with unique and diverse backgrounds, making us a formidable team. My first impressions were very positive, it was great to see so many smiling happy faces on our team. Can't wait to get to know everyone better during Level 4 training!” 

In addition to team pairings and breakout sessions, the Crew Allocation day is the first time that Race Crew put on Clipper Race branded kit. 

Future circumnavigator Ruby Thronton, a 26-year-old teacher from Canada, said: “It all became a little more real once we got our jackets and put those on – we’re now wearing the Clipper Race logo on us! 

“I’ve met some wonderful people, and we’re all really supportive of each other.” 

Gearing up to take on Leg 1, Damien Payne, a 44-year-old company director from Dublin added: “I’m here to find out who I’m going to live with, who I’m going to laugh with – who I’m going to snore with! I’m really excited. Today is about meeting the crew, shaping the team, shaping our goals, and getting that reward at the end.” 

After the allocation of teams was complete, each of the ten newly announced crews took part in breakout sessions to start bonding with their crewmates and develop their race campaigns.  

Speaking about the breakout sessions, Skipper Alistair added: “It was both a privilege and a pleasure to meet the crew I’ll be sailing with over the coming year and to begin laying the foundations of a strong, resilient team.  The mix of nationalities and professions will no doubt make for a diverse, capable, and dynamic team.  I can’t wait for what’s ahead - this is the beginning of something truly special.” 

With Crew Allocation ticked off the pre-race list, attention now turns to the final stages of compulsory Clipper Race training for Race Crew who must successfully complete all four stages before their race gets underway. Race Skipper Ella Hebron reflected: “I’m looking forward to building our sense of unity during Level 4 training and our team building weekend. Our greatest achievement will be if we can step into our purpose and shape into a team that not only performs well but enjoys the process of growing together.” 

Feeling the FOMO? There’s still time to join this edition of the Clipper Race with limited availability remaining. Head to the application page of the Clipper Race website, where you can find out more and apply online to join this year’s race! 

Here's some of the day's highlights...