Get up close to the action: Sail and spectate the Clipper Race Start

This August, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race returns to Portsmouth for its Race Start Festival; three-days of family friendly fun on the Solent in the build-up to the 2025-26 edition which gets underway on Sunday 31 August.  

Rounding off a summer of sailing in the city, the opening leg of the Clipper Race will see over 200 everyday people step on board its matched fleet of racing yachts as they prepare to take on the only event of its kind: racing 40,000 nautical miles (over 46,000 miles) around the globe under sail, powered by the elements. 

Festivities get underway from 29 August at Gunwharf Quays, and the Race Crew who are about to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure are at the heart of the Race Start events. Meet the crew, hop on board the racing yachts and get involved in the interactive games, free merch, live music and face painting. 

Clipper Race Director and Clipper 2017-18 Race Skipper, Dale Smyth said: “I am pleased to see sailing being featured so prominently out on the Solent – our home waters – this summer.  

“Our Race Start Festival celebrates the people who are about to take on something so very extraordinary, as they leave behind the life they know to sail the oceans less crossed. We see teachers race against plumbers, firefighters alongside doctors and students’ team up with business owners on the level playing field of the world's oceans.  

“That’s the amazing thing about the Clipper Race; the professional sailing seen before our race departs, in Sail GP and The Ocean Race, is fabulous to watch, but for most an unreachable goal. The people we will cheer on during our event started their journey with no ocean racing experience. Yet they will face the same weather and sailing conditions as the professionals; they’re powered by grit, determination, and the intensive Clipper Race training programme to get them to where they are today.”

The programme of events includes: 

RACE START FESTIVAL // 29-31 August // 1000 - 1900

In the FANZONE, visitors will be able to hear of their individual stories and reasons why Race Crew have chosen to take on the epic feat. For those feeling inspired to become ocean racers, the Discovery Zone will be open and ex-Clipper Race crew on hand with all the information needed to let future crew know how they too could be on board one of the yachts very soon. 
Down at the pontoon, the hatches to the Clipper 70 race yachts will be open, giving the public a rare glimpse inside what life both above and below deck can look like on the exact boats these intrepid crew will be calling home as they race around the world. There’s also chances to get on the water with a motor tour under the guidance of the experienced sailing professionals and get a feel for the opening nautical miles of the racetrack. 

RACE START // 31 August // 1200 ONWARDS 

From 1200 on 31 August, watch as Gunwharf Quays and Southsea seafront comes alive for the Grand Departure. At Gunwharf Quays, Race Crew will parade to their boats for the final time before the fleet sets off on its round the world feat – expect more live music, entertainment, and a whole lot of excitement. 

Then it’s time to find the perfect viewing spot in one of the spectator zones along Southsea seafront to watch as the Parade of Sail passes by. Top spots include to the left and right of Clarence Pier, or the high points by Southsea Castle. Or for the best view in the house, join the Clipper Race flotilla on the water for an up close and personal view of the action. 

ON THE WATER // SPECTATE ON YOUR OWN BOAT 

Join a flotilla of fellow spectators and witness the ten Clipper 70 yachts embark on their epic circumnavigation of the globe from one of the best vantage points: your own vessel. It’s the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere, feel the energy of the Race Start, and be right at the heart of this extraordinary moment in maritime history.

If you're joining a flotilla of fellow spectators on your own boat, guidance can be found here. 

ON THE WATER // JOIN A SPECTATOR BOAT 

Join us on board one of our official spectator boats and be at the heart of the action!

Soak up the atmosphere from the water and get ready to cheer and wave off the fleet as it begins its incredible 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation of the globe.

Book your place on a spectator boat or Clipper 68 spectator yacht.

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