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Leg 1: The Atlantic Trade Winds

Leg Statistics

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is the only event of its type. Anyone, even if they have never stepped on a boat before, can join the adventure.

Start
United Kingdom
Finish
South America
Stages
2
Distance
6250mi/12,000km
Days at sea
35
Temp
13°C – 35°C

What to expect

  • Part of the Race Start spectacle and excitement

  • Equator crossing

  • Mixed conditions

  • Challenging doldrums

  • Atlantic Crossing

The Atlantic Trade Winds Leg kick starts the epic eleven-month long Clipper Race circumnavigation, with crew taking part on this leg getting to play a special part in the Race Start celebrations from on board. 

With the adrenaline and spectacle of Race Start over, the opening leg of the race is a demanding one that requires teams to quickly settle into their watch systems and adjust to life at sea. Departing from the UK, the first challenge for teams will be to negotiate challenging tidal streams and the shipping channels of the English Channel and Northern France. 

Split into two stages, the second half of the Atlantic Trade Winds brings its own set of tactical and personal challenges. Teams will need to decide on the best way to navigate around the Canary Islands and then hone their light wind sailing skills as they head towards the equator and the infamous doldrums. 

The doldrums, also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), is a band that sits near the equator and as temperatures on board soar, it brings much unpredictability; with wind holes and squalls that will test teams’ resilience. 

Crossing the equator is a milestone for any sailor and will call upon the first visit from King Neptune of the circumnavigation. A real team highlight - the King Neptune ceremony is a long-standing maritime tradition that will turn all pollywog crew into shellbacks as they celebrate their first equator crossing. 

Once clear of the doldrums, teams will pick up the easterly trade winds and enjoy a steadier race over to South America. 

My Story | Fernanda Nunez

Previously Visited

New ports are coming soon for the 2025-26 edition! Stay tuned for updates as we announce both legacy and new destinations that Race Crew will discover on the global route.

2023-2024 edition

Puerto Sherry

Spain

Puerto Sherry is a bustling tourist resort in the region of Andalucía in Spain, where you will find everything you need from luxury accommodation, low key and fine dining restaurants, beach clubs and water sports. Inside the tourist resort is a magnificent marina located in the heart of the Bay of Cádiz, in El Puerto de Santa María.

Aerial view showcasing the turquoise waters of Punta del Este and the iconic Yacht Club Punta del Este.

2023-2024 edition

Punta Del Este

Uruguay

Following an epic journey across the Atlantic, featuring everything from fast sailing and squalls, to wind holes in the doldrums, not forgetting an encounter with King Neptune at the Equator, the fleet received a very warm welcome from the Yacht Club Punta del Este. The sailing club has vast experience hosting major sailing events, including three Clipper Race stopovers and is internationally renowned for its amazing hospitality.

Aerial image of Female Clipper Race Crew member standing smiling at the bow of team Dare to Lead during the Clipper 2023-24 Race.

Prices starting from £8,300

Build your race

Clipper 2025-26 Race: £8,300 // Clipper 2027-28 Race: £8,795

Race Legs

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Leg 1

The Atlantic Trade Winds

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Leg 2

The South Atlantic Challenge

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Leg 3

The Roaring Forties

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Leg 4

Australian Coast-to-Coast

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Leg 5

The Asia-Pacific Challenge

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Leg 6

The Mighty Pacific

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Leg 7

Americas Coast-to-coast

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Leg 8

The Atlantic Homecoming

Clipper 2023-24 Race Crew member standing on deck during night with one hand on winch and the other on her hip.Link arrow

Full Circumnavigation

FAQs

Find answers to commonly asked questions...

The time you will need varies from leg to leg. The durations quoted on our “Build Your Race” section of the website and in the information pack, are for the approximate number of sailing days, so you will need to factor in additional time at each end of your leg and also any Host Port stopovers within the leg itself. Legs 2, 3 and 4 were the shortest in the 2023-24 edition at approximately four to five weeks and most of the other legs are between six to eight weeks.

Around 30% of crew members on each team will have done little or no sailing before they train with us. Others will have a range of sailing experience which might be dinghy sailing, flotilla holidays or crew with further advanced RYA qualifications and possibly experience of looking after their own boat. The one thing you will all have in common is that you’re looking to take part in a unique challenge, test your limits and find out if you have what it takes to traverse the oceans of the world.