Clipper Race to Return to Oban in 2026

31st March 2025

Afloat.ie Team

Clipper Race returns to Oban in 2026, welcoming crew from over 50 countries. A highlight for the town, enhancing its global appeal and showcasing its stunning maritime heritage

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will return to Oban, Scotland in the 2025-26 edition. The West Coast town aims to attract global visitors and investors.

In the summer of 2026, the Clipper Race fleet of eleven yachts will sail into Oban. The event will see a crew of 200 adventurers from over 50 countries visit the town.

This announcement follows a successful stopover in 2024, when Oban welcomed participants alongside major cities like Cape Town and Washington, DC.

Participants in the Clipper Race do not need sailing experience; they will receive training for the 40,000 nautical mile journey. Five crew members from Scotland will compete this year.

Max Rivers, Deputy Race Director, stated, “The West Coast of Scotland has some of the best sailing in the world.” Rivers added that sailing into Oban was memorable due to the scenery and hospitality.

According to organisers, hosting the Clipper Race in 2024 brought an estimated £2 million boost to Oban's economy. During the ten-day stop, crew members enjoyed local attractions like Dunollie Castle and Oban Distillery.

Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, expressed enthusiasm for the event's return, highlighting the opportunity it provides for Oban and the region.

Kate Ashley, Head of Partnerships at Clipper Ventures, noted that Oban’s maritime history makes it an ideal destination. She mentioned that the event fosters partnerships that could include a Scottish yacht entry.

The Clipper Race attracts a diverse audience. In 2024, 87% of attendees at Oban's ‘Festival of the Sea’ were from outside the area, with 80% citing the Clipper Race as their primary reason for visiting.**Headline:** Clipper Race to Return to Oban in 2026

Published in Clipper Race, Scottish Waters

Published in Clipper Race

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.