Steering Strategy: TIMEZERO returns as Official Navigation Partner

  • Kathryn Priddie
  • 25/08/25
  • The Race, Partners
  • 2 mins read
Our PartnersTIMEZERO

The Clipper Race has renewed its partnership with marine navigation software company TIMEZERO, returning for a fifth consecutive edition as the Official Navigation Software Supplier and marking a decade since it was first used on the Clipper Race fleet in the 2017-18 edition. 

The on board computer systems on each of the ten Clipper Race team yachts will be loaded with TZ Professional for the upcoming 40,000nm circumnavigation. Renowned for its routing algorithm, Weather Routing Module, and cutting-edge Position Report tool, TZ Professional enables Clipper Race Skippers to seek out the fastest route, plan their race strategies, and keep a beady eye on their competition. 

The Weather Routing Module, which was specifically created for competition, provides unrivalled performance and usability for skippers. The Clipper Race teams will utilise two main features whilst racing: polars (wind, speed, and sails) and weather forecasts, in order to optimise their route and boost performance.  

Frédéric Algalarrondo, TIMEZERO Sales and Marketing Director, said: 

We are proud to be the Official Navigation Software Supplier of the Clipper Race, the one adventure gathering sailors of all backgrounds for a life-changing challenge. We know that racing across oceans is the starting point for the adventure of a lifetime. Sharing this experience every year with the Clipper Race Skippers, crews, and supporters is a true privilege.

The TIMEZERO by MaxSea solution is the result of 40 years of innovation and development in marine navigation technology for professional racers and recreational sailors alike. Offering a wide range of possibilities, TZ Professional will be used by the Clipper Race Office and its Skippers to maximise team performance.

Deputy Race Director of the Clipper Race and former Race Skipper, Max Rivers, said: 

We’d be lost without TIMEZERO. As our navigation supplier, we rely on their software for invaluable weather routing support. It overlays weather on worldwide charts, runs models and simulations, and helps Skippers and Mates make tactical decisions. TimeZero can display global charts, race marks, features, and exclusion zones, providing a digital canvas alongside the fleet’s paper charts. 

"The same tools are invaluable to us in the Race Management Team. We use it to forecast arrival windows and routing options, while its accuracy supports informed race logistics.” 

As the Clipper Race x TIMEZERO partnership has progressed, so has the software. The fleet now uses the latest PC and iOS version, which includes new exclusive tools, enhanced nautical charts, and improved forecasts. 

The Clipper 2025-26 Race gets underway from Portsmouth, UK, on Sunday 31 August. Teams will spend nearly a year racing the full circumnavigation of the globe. Want to join? There are still limited spaces available on some of the upcoming edition’s legs, and applications are open for the 2027-28 edition, too.