Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to arrive in Oban
For the first time in its 27-year history, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be making a stop in Scotland when the eleven-strong fleet sails to Oban in July 2024.
The Clipper Race is renowned as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, welcoming adventurers from all walks of life to take on the exceptional challenge of racing across the world’s oceans on board a 70ft yacht. This unique event sees teams battle extreme conditions during its eleven-month circumnavigation.
Clipper Race crew will experience the breathtaking beauty of Oban and a warm Highland welcome when they arrive from 12 July 2024 – the penultimate stop on the 40,000nm race around the world.
Berthing at North Pier Pontoons after their arrival from Washington DC, the crew from all over the world will get a chance to take in the stunning scenery, rich history, warm hospitality, and diverse attractions on offer in Oban, before heading off on the final race of this edition back to Portsmouth, UK.
Planning for a full schedule of events is now well underway with the key partners Clipper Ventures, BID4Oban and Argyll and Bute Council. The three partners met in Oban over two days last week to visit the various sites that are required to host the event.
These include the North Pier Pontoons,Corran Halls, The Rockfield Centre, Oban High School, Scottish Association for Marine Science, Mossfield among others. Detailed discussions around the planning of the event and its impact took place with representatives from Visit Scotland, Wild About Argyll, SAMS, and A&B Economic Development Department.
Cathy Craig, Wild About Argyll Chief Executive Offer,
Andrew Spence, BID4Oban Chief Executive Offer,
Nadine Harris, Clipper Partnerships and Events Account Manager,
Danielle Wickham, Clipper Senior Communications Officer,
David Adams McGilp, Visit Scotland Regional Director,
Fergus Murray. Argyll & Bute Council Head of Development & Economic Growth
The Clipper Race has been able to bring this event to Oban with the dedicated support and partnership working between BID4Oban Ltd (Oban Business Improvement District), Love Oban and Argyll and Bute Council. Councillor Robin Currie, Leader of Argyll and Bute Council said “We are excited to support this international event along with BID4Oban Ltd and look forward to welcoming the many crews, teams, sightseers, and family members who follow this amazing race. Given that this race attracts an international following it is sure to put Oban at the forefront of destination cruise sailing in Scotland and provide a welcome boost to the local economy.”
Alex Edmonstone – Live Argyll Commercial Operations Manager
Russell Ferguson – Corran Halls Manager
Andrew Spence, Chief Executive of Bid4Oban, said “Oban is a fantastic and welcoming venue for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. We have had a highly productive planning meeting with the Clipper Race team, and they are very much looking forward to visiting Oban. There will be numerous associated events during the visit, and we want to provide an exceptional west coast welcome to all the crews, their families, and visitors. This is a truly international event that we are all looking forward to.”
Nadine Harris, Partnerships and Events Manager at Clipper Ventures said: “This will be the Clipper Race’s first-ever stopover in Scotland and having spent time in Oban with the team last week, we are confident that this will be an incredible stopover for our Clipper Race crew, visitors, and the people of Argyll & Bute.
“Over 200 Clipper Race crew will sail into Oban, and the stopover can expect large visitor numbers with friends, families, Clipper Race Officials, Alumni Crew, locals, and tourists lining the pontoons to welcome in the intrepid sailors after crossing the North Atlantic from Washington, DC. The penultimate stopover before Race Finish, which Oban will host, is always a huge celebration where everyone comes together to celebrate the final ocean crossing of the Clipper Race.
“Oban is a town rich with culture and history offering terrific hospitality and where adventure runs deep, making it a brilliant fit to host the Clipper Race, and we really look forward to the festivities this July which will be sure to show off Oban and the surrounding area making it an unforgettable stopover on the race route.”
You can check the progress of the Clipper Round The World Race by clinking HERE
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