Clipper Race returns to Oban

Following a successful first stopover last July, which saw race crews embrace the town’s 10 day ‘Festival of Sea’ celebrations, the Clipper Race fleet will once again sail into Oban in the summer of 2026.

One of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, the Clipper Race sees teams battle extreme conditions as they race more than 40,000 nautical miles around the globe in a test of fortitude and determination.

As one of the last stops on the global route via South Africa, Korea, and China, Oban will form part of Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming, where race crews will take on a furious downwind battle from North America towards the race finish at Portsmouth.

It is the only event of its kind that trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers, and most of the race crews have no previous sailing experience before signing up for the intensive training.

A 200 strong crew of adventurers, including over 50 nationalities, and 150 professions, will descend on the town. On the roster are five participants living in Scotland, some of whom will have the honour of sailing into their home country.

It is estimated that hosting the Clipper 2023-24 Race brought £2million in revenue to Oban from the crews and their families, on top of the income from the thousands of visitors, and it attracted an audience of 174 million through traditional media coverage.

Given the event’s success and economic boost last year, ’host port partners’ Argyll and Bute Council and the local business network BID4Oban put in a bid to host the Clipper Race again in 2025-2026.

Welcoming news Oban had been chosen again, Jim Lynch, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “It’s fantastic news that the Clipper Race is returning to Oban. It’s a huge, international event and so is a welcome opportunity to attract people to Oban, and Argyll and Bute more widely, and to bring global focus on the area as a great place to visit and invest.”

A "delighted" Andrew Spence, Chief Executive of Bid4Oban, added: “Oban demonstrated its expertise in hosting such a prestigious event. The welcome afforded by Oban and its residents was second to none and we look forward to welcoming all the crews from around the world. We will once again showcase Scotland at its best with numerous events and activities planned.” 

They plan an even bigger festival of culture for the next ocean racers. The town quickly became a firm crew favourite on the last edition. Crews immersed themselves in all that the town had to offer, including a visit to Dunollie Castle, whisky tastings at Oban Distillery and even fitting in a trip to nearby Lismore. They also took part in Gaelic lessons and a shinty taster session.

Stirling-born Clipper Race Deputy Race Director, Max Rivers, had the chance to sail into his home country last year when he was a Skipper on the Our Isles and Oceans yacht. 

Max said: “The West Coast of Scotland has some of the best sailing in the world, and it was an honour to share the most gorgeous parts of the nation with my global crew. Having grown up sailing in and around Oban, I relished the opportunity to sail there again with the Clipper Race.

“Our arrival and departure in the Firth of Lorn didn’t disappoint with its amazing wind and scenery, making it truly one of the most memorable sailing locations in the world. 

"And to top it off the town was an amazing host with brilliant events and spectacular hospitality. Oban put on a superb stopover, and I am delighted that our next intake of international crew will get to enjoy all that the town has to offer in 2026.”

Clipper Ventures Head of Partnerships, Kate Ashley, added: “This partnership with Oban means we will once again see this Scottish ‘Town of the Year’ sit alongside major international cities on our race route. Oban, with its rich maritime history and warm hospitality, is the perfect destination to welcome our adventurous crew after a tough ocean crossing.”  

Along with Oban, other ports that have been announced so far for the Clipper 2025-26 Race are Portsmouth (UK - the event’s Race Start and Finish location), Cape Town (South Africa), Tongyeong (Korea) and Qingdao (China). Further port announcements are due over the few weeks.