Recently, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Organizing Committee (UK) announced that the departure and return ceremonies for the 2025-26 edition of the race will be held in Portsmouth, UK.
The Clipper fleet will set sail from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth at the end of August this year to begin its global voyage. This season will mark two significant milestones: the 25th anniversary of the race’s first departure from Portsmouth (which occurred during the 2000 edition) and the 30th anniversary of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race itself.
The departure festivities for the 2025-26 season will span four days, running from August 28 to August 31. Building on the tremendous success of last season’s ceremonies at Gunwharf Quays, organizers aim to attract even more domestic and international fans and visitors this year. The event will feature a variety of public activities, including onboard tours of the Clipper race yachts, interactive sessions with crew members, youth-friendly sailing-themed games, food stalls, and live performances.
During the return ceremony for the previous season in July 2024, Gunwharf Quays welcomed90,000 visitors, over 50% of whom were from outside the local area. These visitors contributed more than ￡7.5 million to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, shopping, and tourism.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman and Co-Founder of the Clipper Race, commented: “The Solent is the Clipper Race’s home, and we are thrilled to be a flagship event in the region’s busy summer calendar. This marks the second consecutive time we’ve announced Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays as the host for both departure and return ceremonies. With our headquarters just across the water in Gosport, it creates the perfect conditions for success. Over the coming months, we’ll finalize plans for the festivities and look forward to welcoming crew, families, friends, and fans to celebrate the start of a new adventure.”
Full details of the 2025-26 Clipper Race departure events will be confirmed and released in early summer this year. Updates on naming partner fleets, stopover host ports, and activities will be shared via the race’s official WeChat account and website: clipperroundtheworld.com.
Note: Key terms like"青島號(hào)" (Qingdao) are included as a reference but not expanded in the translation since the original text only mentions it as a"file photo" without further context. Adjustments can be made if additional details about Qingdao’s role are provided.