Race Features
The Clipper Race Features Explained
In the Clipper Race, teams accumulate points throughout the series, with the highest overall score at the end of the circumnavigation securing the prestigious Clipper Race Trophy.
Points are awarded based on finishing positions in each race, and crews can boost their totals through features like Scoring Gates, Ocean Sprints, and the once-per-race Joker Card.
But it’s not all about gaining ground, penalties for infractions such as course deviations, equipment damage, or rule breaches can see teams lose valuable points, making strategy, seamanship, and discipline just as important as speed.
Position Points
Position Points are awarded according to race finishing positions. In a Clipper Race edition with ten yachts the winner of each individual race is awarded ten points, second place gets nine points, and so on down to one point for tenth place.
The Ocean Sprint
A time trial between two pre-set lines of longitude or latitude. The fastest three teams gain extra bonus points: three points for first, two points for second and one for third.
Scoring Gate
A virtual gate between two points along the racetrack that each team can choose whether to pass through or not. The first three teams to cross this gain extra points: three points for first, two for second and one for third. The position of the Scoring Gate is usually some distance off the rhumb line (the shortest distance between the race start and race finish ports), making the decision to go for it - or not - a tactical one.
The Joker
Each team can play their Joker once during the circumnavigation, resulting in double finishing points for that stage race only. Any bonus points won will not be affected by the Joker.
Stealth Mode
Yachts can choose to tactically hide their position from the rest of the fleet for 24 hours. Up to two stealth modes may be available depending on the length of the race, and they can be used back-to-back.
Penalty Points
Penalty Points may be applied for loss or damage to general equipment, damage to sails, or infringement of race rules. Any loss or damage to safety equipment will not be affected. Penalty points will be calculated and advised following each leg.
Join the Race
40,000nm. 5 Oceans. 1 Circumnavigation. See you on the start line.