Spotlight on: U.S. Virgin Islands | 2027-28 Host Port and Team Partner
Making history: U.S. Virgin Islands plotted on Clipper Race route for first time
The USVI is, in its own words, Naturally in Rhythm - offering a unique blend of experiences that sets it apart from other Caribbean destinations. And it's set to make history as St. Thomas becomes a Host Port and Team Partner for the Clipper 2027-28 Round the World Yacht Race.
This marks the first time in the Clipper Race's 30-year history that the territory will welcome the world's toughest endurance sailing challenge to its shores and also the first time a team entry will represent the islands on our global route.
St. Thomas is the most culturally vibrant of the four main islands making up the USVI, with a rich blend of Caribbean, African, Danish, French, and Puerto Rican heritage reflected in the destination's history, cuisine, music, and culture.
With year-round warm temperatures, crystal clear waters, stunning world-renowned beaches and lush tropical forests, it’s set to be the perfect respite for weary Race Crew to recoup between the demands of ocean racing.
Clipper Ventures CEO, William Ward, said of the partnership announcement: "We're proud to be announcing this debut partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands and introducing St. Thomas to the Clipper Race route for the first time.
"As we continue to grow our global event, strong partnerships with destinations that share our ambition, international outlook and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences are fundamental to our success. St. Thomas is a natural fit, combining outstanding sailing waters with a rich cultural heritage and a warm welcome that our Race Crew will remember long after they depart. We look forward to working together with USVI."
As a Host Port, St. Thomas will welcome hundreds of international sailors and visitors, providing an exceptional opportunity to showcase its vibrant culture, spectacular natural beauty, and world-renowned sailing waters.
Alani Henneman, Assistant Commissioner, Marketing and Communications at USVI Department of Tourism said: “The United States Virgin Islands is proud to be a strategic partner of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. This prestigious partnership reinforces the Territory’s commitment to elevating its global tourism profile while strengthening its position as a premier Caribbean sailing and maritime destination.
“As one of the world’s most celebrated ocean racing events, the Clipper Race provides an unparalleled platform to showcase the natural beauty, rich culture, world-class harbors, and exceptional visitor experiences of the U.S. Virgin Islands to audiences around the world.”
She added: “By reaching new and emerging international markets, this collaboration expands the destination’s global visibility, inspires future travel, and supports the continued growth and diversification of the Territory’s tourism industry.”
The Host Port programme is being delivered in collaboration with St. Thomas Yacht Club and the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Yacht Association (VIPCA), whose expertise and commitment to the Territory's marine industry will help deliver a memorable stopover for competitors and visitors alike.
The Clipper 2027-28 Race will get underway from the UK in the summer of 2027, returning almost a year later after more than 40,000 nautical miles of ocean racing on a new fleet of specially designed Clipper RX ocean racing yachts.