Two brand new Host Ports announced for the Clipper 2027-28 Race

With the current edition of the Clipper Race in its final days, two Host Ports have been announced for the 2027–28 edition—both making their debut on the global race circuit. 

For the first time in Clipper Race history, the U.S. Virgin Islands will feature on the global route, with St. Thomas becoming both a Host Port and Team Partner. The Clipper Race is also set to make a much anticipated return to Canada, with St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), welcoming the race fleet for the first Canadian stopover in 15 years.  

George Best, Head of Partnerships at Clipper Ventures, said: "Bringing the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. John's into the Clipper 2027–28 Race as first-time host destinations is a significant achievement. These partnerships strengthen the global reach of the race while opening the door to new opportunities to showcase two outstanding destinations on the world stage." 

USVI - Naturally in Rhythm  

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is set to make history as St. Thomas becomes a Host Port during the 2027-28 edition, marking the first time in the race's 30-year history that it has visited the Territory.  

It also marks the Clipper Race's return to the Caribbean for the first time in 14 years, cementing the USVI’s reputation as one of the world's premier sailing and maritime destinations. 

St. Thomas is the most culturally vibrant of the four main USVIs, 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 crew and an idyllic place to recoup between the demands of ocean racing. 

Alani Henneman, Assistant Commissioner, Marketing and Communications at USVI Department of Tourism said: “The United States Virgin Islands is proud to be a Team and Host Port 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. 

Returning to Canada 

When the Clipper Race sails through the Narrows and into St. John’s Harbour in summer 2028, it will mark only the fifth time in the race’s history that the fleet has visited Canada—and its first-ever stopover in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The Clipper Race’s arrival in St. John’s will bring together stories shaped by the sea. Long before transatlantic explorers navigated these waters, Indigenous peoples had established enduring relationships with the land and sea. In the centuries that followed, explorers, adventurers and generations of seafarers crossed the North Atlantic and sailed through the Narrows into St. John’s Harbour. 

That proud seafaring culture continues today, making St. John’s a natural and exciting destination for one of the world’s greatest ocean adventures. 

Located on Canada’s spectacular Atlantic coast, St. John’s is one of North America’s oldest cities, where centuries of history meet vibrant culture, celebrated hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty. 

From colourful heritage streets and lively music traditions to unforgettable wildlife experiences, dramatic coastal scenery and renowned culinary offerings, St. John’s provides an extraordinary setting for Race Crew, guests and sailing enthusiasts from around the world. 

Paul Bugge, CEO of Destination St. John’s, said: “There could not be a more fitting destination for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’s return to Canada. This place has always been shaped by the sea—from the Indigenous peoples whose relationship with these lands and waters long predates transatlantic exploration, to the generations of explorers, adventurers and seafarers who navigated the North Atlantic. That connection continues to shape our culture, our character, and our way of life. 

“Destination St. John’s is incredibly proud to partner with the Clipper Race and welcome one of the world’s most inspiring sailing events to our shores. The sight of the fleet sailing through the Narrows and into the Port of St. John’s will be an extraordinary moment for our community and an exciting new chapter in our long seafaring story. 

“We look forward to welcoming Race Crew, their supporters and sailing enthusiasts to experience the warmth, culture and unforgettable hospitality that make St. John’s unlike anywhere else.” 

Want to discover St. John’s and St. Thomas on an adventure of a lifetime on a brand new fleet of Clipper RX racing yachts? Applications for the 2027-28 Race are now open. For more information and to apply, head to the application overview page.