
Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming
A Heros Welcome
While this might be the homeward bound leg for the fleet, there is plenty of racing still to be enjoyed. First place overall has been decided on the final race of this leg on more than one occasion.
- Start
- East Coast, North America
- Finish
- United Kingdom
- Stages
- 2
- Distance
- 3900mi/7,000km
- Days at Sea
- 22
- Temp
- 12°C - 25°C

What to expect
Final leg of the circumnavigation
Multiple stages, one sprint
North Atlantic’s big downwind conditions
Race Finish and homecoming celebrations
The pressure is on for the final leg of the Clipper Race circumnavigation, with just one ocean crossing and a sprint standing in the way of the Finish Line. The competition reaches new levels during Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming. Multi-leg crew will be well into the swing of running and racing the Clipper 70 yachts, and fresh ‘single leggers’ will bring new energy to fire through the final stages.
This energy will be needed, as it's not uncommon for the final leaderboard positions to be decided upon during the final stage of the race.
Departing the east coast of the USA, teams will head north towards Canada, encountering dropping temperatures and patches of fog as they near the Grand Banks south of Newfoundland.
Whilst the end might seem in touching distance, there is plenty of action-packed racing to enjoy with the North Atlantic Ocean throwing in some big conditions and challenges. In fact, the North Atlantic can serve up conditions not dissimilar to the Pacific with high winds and big waves. There is usually some fantastic downwind sailing to be had, and teams can record high boat speeds so long as they have looked after their spinnakers!
Having crossed every line of longitude, the Race Crews will have just one more sprint back to the finish port. With everything to play for, this short, sharp power race might make the difference in overall leaderboard and even podium-finish positions. But teams will need to be vigilant as UK waters are known for their strong tides and high volume of traffic.
Whilst crossing the finish line might mark the end of the circumnavigation, those on board will get to soak in the energy and emotion of Race Finish celebrations and keep memories of everything achieved and endured, with them for a lifetime.

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
Oban
Scotland
A brand-new destination on the Clipper Race route map for the 2023-24 edition. Following the final ocean crossing, the town of Oban welcomed the fleet for the first time in history after its race across the North Atlantic. Over 200 Race Crew, from 55 nations descended on the seaside town for the week, with hundreds of their family, friends and supporters joining to not only celebrate but to explore and immerse themselves in Scottish culture, and Oban certainly pulled out all the stops! Sláinte, Oban!

2023-2024 edition
The Grand Finale | Portsmouth
United Kingdom
With a track record of hosting major events and with strong links to the maritime and marine sectors, Gunwharf Quays in the UK waterfront city of Portsmouth was the host of the Clipper 2023-24 Race Start and Finish. Portsmouth is home to the Royal Navy, a key part of the Solent Freeport, and a growing cruise destination, making the city the perfect backdrop for the departure and homecoming celebrations.

Prices starting from £8,300
Build your raceClipper 2025-26 Race: £8,300 // Clipper 2027-28 Race: £8,795
Race Legs
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.