Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Coming to Oban again!

10th to 19th July, 2026

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 on their eleven-month circumnavigation.

The Clipper Race fleet will once again sail into Oban in the summer of 2026. And according to Host Port Partners, Argyll and Bute Council and Bid4Oban, an even bigger festival of culture is planned for the next realm of ocean racers.

Oban will form part of Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming, where Race Crew will take on a furious downwind battle from North America towards the Race Finish port of Portsmouth, UK. As one of the last stops on the global route and warm hospitality provided from the town’s locals, – it’s the perfect place for warm up celebrations!

The Clipper Race In Action

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2025/6

Every day people, including teachers, chefs, plumbers, students, accountants, firefighters, retirees, geographers, lawyers, software developers and doctors representing over 40 nationalities, will take all that Mother Nature can muster as they embark on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The Clipper Race spans 40,000 nautical miles around the world, making six ocean crossings and facing all extremities of weather and sea states. From hurricane-force winds to blistering heat, from the isolation of the North Pacific Ocean to learning to live on a yacht with stripped-back facilities in close quarters with their teammates, this event is a true test of mental and physical fortitude.

Following a successful first stopover in Oban, which saw Race Crew embrace the town’s ‘Festival of Sea’ celebrations, this edition’s stopover – now complete with a home team entry and powered by more partners – is set to be bigger than ever

BRAND SCOTLAND

Scotland is about to make waves on the world stage — for the first time ever, a fully-branded “Team Scotland” yacht will take part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2025-26 edition. Backed by the promotional might of Brand Scotland, the international reach of Diageo, and the marine-science credentials of Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), this entry isn’t just about sailing — it’s Scotland racing around the world.

With a sleek 70-ft ocean racer flying Scotland’s flag, Team Scotland will join crews from across the globe, carrying a message as bold as the seas it will cross: that Scotland is open for business, rich in culture, and ready to welcome ambition, exploration and investment.

Thanks to the combined support — from Government-led trade and country promotion, to private-sector strength, to research-informed stewardship — Scotland’s first Clipper entry is more than a team: it’s a global showcase of identity, opportunity and heritage.

CLIPPER RACE TEAM SCOTLAND

Leading Team Scotland will be the professional Clipper Race sailing duo of Skipper Heather Thomas, supported by First Mate Millie Apperley. Heather’s journey to Clipper Race Skipper began in 2015 when she was awarded a bursary to join the Clipper 2015-16 Race. Fast forward ten years and over 100,000 nautical miles sailed, including twelve ocean crossings and leading Maiden to victory in the McIntyre Ocean Globe Race, she’s back to take the helm of Team Scotland.

Heather will be supported by Millie, who started sailing as a child, completing Tall Ships races and gaining over 14,000 nautical miles of experience across the UK and Greece, and through sailing from Uruguay to the UK in the Ocean Globe Race. Now a Clipper Race First Mate, she’s eager to help lead her team, strengthen her offshore skills, and share her love of the strong bonds formed at sea. Skipper Heather Thomas said: “It’s a real privilege to lead this team and represent Scotland on a global stage. Although I didn't grow up in Scotland, I have spent a lot of time sailing in Scottish waters and have grown to really love the country.

“For me, this campaign isn’t just about the sailing. It’s about sharing what makes Scotland so unique - its resilience, creativity, and pride in where it’s come from. With support from Brand Scotland, Oban Distillery, and a whole team of amazing people behind us, we’re not just racing - we’re telling Scotland’s story. I’m proud to be part of it and can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Support Team Scotland!

Track the progress of Team Scotland with Clipper Race live tracker

Clipper Race Tracker

Background image - Hero Shot Fleet In Oban

Oban '26 Stopover Programme of Events

Join in events in Oban celebrating the many ways to enjoy the coastline and the Clipper Race arrival. Download our Visitor Map below to see where the action takes place! Check back for new events as they are added.

SPECTATOR & TURN UP EVENTS

10th to 13th July, North Pier Pontoon - Welcome The Clipper Race Fleet - Track their arrival here.
15th to 17th July, 9am to 5pm, North Pier - Clipper Race Fanzone - Learn about the Clipper Race, the world’s toughest ocean challenge, and how you can get involved in the next race.
15th to 17th July, 10am to 6pm, North Pier Pontoon - Tour a Clipper 70 Racing Yacht - Bring the family and step on board a Clipper 70 stripped down ocean racing yacht. Take an above and below deck tour with the Race Crew who have called these yachts home for eleven months - Free and no need to book!
19th July, Bid farewell to the Clipper Race!
- 12pm to 12.30pm - Slipping the Line: Come and cheer on the teams as they slip lines and commence preparations for the Parade of Sail from 12:00 pm to 12.30pm.
- 1pm, Parade of Sail - From Kerrera Marina across Oban Bay past Dunollie Lighthouse out to Dunstaffnage.
- 3pm Clipper Race Start: From Dunstaffnage.