ANNOUNCING THE CLIPPER RX

We are proud to reveal the design of our fourth-generation ocean racing yacht: Clipper RX.

The design concept has been developed in-house, based on 30 years’ experience of our operations team and feedback from over 7000 crew participants

The Project has been coordinated by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston working with leading British naval architects including the world-renowned Nigel Irens.

Sir Robin says: “The Clipper RX design benefits from everything we’ve learned. It will provide a safe yet exhilarating experience for the crews who take on this unrivalled adventure, providing the ultimate racing experience.”

This 12 x 72ft matched ocean racing fleet represents our commitment to the fourth decade of the Clipper Race after 14 global editions since the inaugural event in 1996.

Co-founder and CEO William Ward OBE adds: “I am very proud to see what we’ve achieved over the last 30 years. The experience we’ve amassed is exceptional. We have developed a strong partnership with Qingdao in China over the last 20 years where we are building our latest fleet to the highest quality standards.”

The new yacht concept has been translated into the final design by the experienced team at Fish Marine Design | Composites (MDC) with hull lines by Nigel Irens, incorporating a new distinctive bow shape.

The result is the Clipper RX which distils all this experience into a fast and seaworthy vessel with superior safety features integrated seamlessly into a high-performance 72 ft ocean racing yacht designed for the extreme conditions faced by our crews.

Design enhancements provide for versatile performance both upwind and downwind; include a new bow and wider foredeck; two watertight companion ways accessing the twin helms as well as mid-cockpit; new cuddies providing crew greater protection to the elements.

Twelve yachts are now under construction with the aim of the new fleet coming into service for the 2027-28 edition.

Read more details about the Clipper RX design here

Sir Robin will be presenting details of the Clipper RX in public for the first time as part of a presentation at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 on Sunday 18 January at 14.30 CET

Further information will be available at the Clipper Race stand C23 in Hall 15 for the duration of boot Düsseldorf, 17-25 January.