One of the toughest jobs in sailing

The skippers for the 11 teams competing in the 2025-26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race have been selected, with the sailing professionals flying their flags for England, Wales, Ireland, France, South Africa, and The Netherlands. All skippers went through a rigorous selection process led by the Clipper Race Management Team.

Looking ahead to the start of the 14th edition on August 31, Clipper Race Director, Dale Smyth notes how the selected candidates were taking on one of the toughest jobs in the global sailing industry. “They need to not only be incredibly good sailors but able to lead, inspire, and look after a big team of diverse individuals across the harshest oceans on the planet.” – Full report

Event Details: www.clipperroundtheworld.com

About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race:
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.

Held biennially, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has a fleet of eleven identical Tony Castro designed Clipper 70s that compete on a multi-leg course around the world. The team having the best cumulative score over the entire course wins the Clipper Race Trophy. The 2025-26 race will be the 14th edition.

Source: Clipper Round the World Yacht Race