Clipper Race Start

About

Enjoy the atmosphere and an opportunity to share the exhilerating adventure of ocean racing as the Clipper Round the World Race departs from Portsmouth. There will be yacht tours, live entertainment, crew talks, family fun (with prizes), merchandise, the Race Start Departure Ceremony, on-the-water viewing, and so much more besides.​​​​​​

Experience everything, with the Clipper Race Fanzone opening daily from 30 August until 3 September, 10am to 7pm.

Tours of the Clipper70 Yachts
30 August to 1 September
11am to 7pm
Following a full refit ahead of the 40,000nm challenge, you’ll be amongst the first to tour the magnificent ocean racing fleet, above and below deck. Feed your curiosity about the technology on board and living conditions, or imagine life at a 40º angle and extreme weather conditions.
The tours are free to attend, however booking is required to ensure organisers can host everyone. Book your tickets here.

Discovery Talks
30 August to 3 September
Times vary by day
Bring family and friends and meet the courageous Race Crew taking part, Skippers and the operating team. Find out what it takes to embark on a leg of the Clipper Race and how, with no previous sailing experience needed, it is possible to embark on The Race of Your Life.

Motor Sail Tours
30 August
Hourly from 10am
No sailing experience is required to join a tour of Portsmouth Harbour on board a Clipper 68. As well as a brief tour of the yacht and safety information, the professional racing team will share their insight about ocean racing around the world.
The Clipper 68 fleet have taken part in past editions of the race and currently host sailing experiences for Clipper Events and Clipper Race training undertaken by all Race Crew.
Booking is essential. Book your place here.

Family Fanzone
30 August to 3 September
10am to 7pm
Calling all adventurers! Discover if you have what it takes to participate in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Find out more about the six ocean crossings, the 14 Host Ports, 700 Race Crew, eleven 70-foot yachts, technology on board and much more.
In the KidsZone, the Discovery Dome and across the Race Village you'll be able to get a real taste for an unforgettable adventure.

Live Entertainment
30 August to 3 September
Times and specifics to be revealed.
Portsmouth boasts one of the most diverse and exciting music scenes on the south of England. In honour of the Race Crew, supporters and fans of the Clipper Race, there will be live entertainment to celebrate the start of the 40,000 nautical mile ocean odyssey, themed 'Adventure for Good'.

Race Departure Ceremony
Sunday 3 September
Fanzone open 10am to 7pm
​Witness the start of this epic adventure from Gunwharf Quays and experience the atmosphere as more than 700 Race Crew from all walks of life embark on the world’s longest ocean race.
10am to 10.30am: In the Discovery Zone you can find out about the Clipper Race. Meet the crew and hear from those who have already taken part in previous editions.
1pm: Race Departure Ceremony commences.
1.30pm: Race Fleet slip lines and depart Gunwharf Quays.
2.30pm: Parade of sail. The eleven Clipper 70 yachts proudly passes the Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays and the Round Tower, waved on by thousands of supporters along the route.
2.45pm to 3pm: Fleet Parade of sail at Southsea Castle.
4pm: Official Race Start off of Southsea Castle.

Detailed information for those wishing to view the Race Start from the water will be available two weeks prior to the event.

About the race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. This unique, epic event sees teams battle extreme conditions as they race more than 40,000 nautical miles around the globe in a true test of fortitude and determination.

The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers, and many have no previous sailing experience before signing up for the intensive four levels of training prior to racing. Led by a professional Skipper and First Mate, Race Crew can complete the full eleven month circumnavigation or choose to test themselves on one or multiple legs.

Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays has partnered with the Clipper Race, becoming its Race Start and Finish Host Port, with civic support from Portsmouth City Council. This is only the second time that Portsmouth has featured on the Clipper Race route (the last time was in 2000) and is set to be the biggest launch in Clipper Race history, with a five-day festival programme of music, food, community and business events to celebrate the start of the next circumnavigation and engage with the local community.

To create a send-off to remember, local sailing clubs, organisations and boat owners invited to join the bon voyage flotilla out on the Solent to wave off the hundreds of sailors embarking on the first leg of the circumnavigation. Tickets for spectator boats will be available to buy in advance of the event, offering a chance to get out on the water and up close to the action, when the race starts mid-afternoon on 3 September.

Gunwharf Quays is home to brilliant waterside shopping, eating and drinking, with a range of eateries from classic British pubs to worldwide cuisine to enjoy with a view of the sea. What’s more, visitors can explore Portsmouth’s maritime history through the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and take in incredible views across the city and Solent from the top of the famous Spinnaker Tower whilst exploring everything this iconic British city has to offer.