Clipper teams crossing the Atlantic

The 11 teams in the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race completed the 700nm sprint from Bermuda to New York and departed June 29 for the 3010nm blast back towards Europe, with a stopover in Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland before the final finish in London, UK.

After over a week in their Atlantic Ocean crossing, the course has so far seen the teams racing fast, making the most of generous downwind conditions and tactical opportunities. During the race, the fleet can take advantage of the point maximizing virtual scoring gate and a sprint section which benefits the fastest elapsed time.

While sailing conditions have been favorable so far for the Clipper 70s, the North Atlantic can be full of surprises, making for an eventful race, potentially switching up team positions.

Race details – Team list – Race route – Tracker – Facebook

The Clipper Round the World Yacht 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.

Held biennially, the 2019-20 Clipper Race got underway September 1 for the fleet of eleven identical Tony Castro designed Clipper 70s. As the most subscribed round the world race, the 12th edition had attracted 688 crew representing 43 nationalities for the 41,000+ nm course.

However, when the fleet arrived in Asia, the COVID-19 pandemic blocked the fleet from the planned routes in China. The 11 Clipper 70s have remained at Subic Bay Yacht Club in the Philippines since March 2020 after organizers and Race Crew were forced to return home due to pandemic restrictions, with the restart taking place in March 2022.