America: Are you ready to race around the world?
We’re headed state side!
- Natalie Hill
- 07/03/25
- Circumnavigator Stories, The Race
- 3 mins read
This spring, Clipper Race circumnavigator Jacqueline Kavanagh is swapping her sails for tales as she heads on a USA coast-to-coast tour, telling the story of how she once raced a 70ft yacht around the globe.
Over 43 days, she will be visiting 16 locations across the states to help inspire the next realm of adventurers to become ocean racers.
Jacqueline, who is now part of the Clipper Race Recruitment Team, took part in the 2019-20 edition when she signed up to compete despite having very little sailing experience, making her living proof that anyone can take on this extraordinary challenge. She is now sharing her story to encourage others to take the leap and give the race of their lives a try.
Jacqueline will be setting up her stall at yacht clubs, universities, travel shows and more. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart, a sailing enthusiast, or simply looking for a life-changing challenge, this is your chance to meet the team and explore how you can participate in future editions – including the upcoming 2025-26 edition which starts on the 31 August. Says Jacqueline: "It's so exciting to be navigating coast to coast across the USA and spreading the word about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race! Akin to the olden day travelling salesman, I'll be setting up my Clipper Race stall as I go.
“I'm kicking off my six-week road trip in Colorado. A state better known for its stunning mountain ranges and skiers than its sailing, it’s not the natural location to pitch my Clipper Race stall first! Watch this space though, I predict Colorado will become the biggest sailing hub in the USA. No coastline? Not a problem, they have lakes!
“Next stop on my road trip, California! Hooray, a coastline! Texas next, an opportunity to encourage our friends in Dallas to replace their cowboy boots for deck shoes. Then finally I'm pitching my stall up and down the East coast, talking in Washington, DC, New York, Boston, Maine, Cornell and Browne Universities and Annapolis, to name but a few.
“What makes this road trip extra special is the opportunity to attend four Travel and Adventure Shows. I'll meet Americans who might never have considered racing across the world's ocean. Arrive at the show to book a cruise? Pass by my stall and leave with plans to see the world on a Clipper 70 yacht.
“The USA is built and prospers on diversity of idea and cultures - I'm determined to harness that magic and get America sailing around the world.”
Fancy joining Jacqueline as she navigates the states? You can keep up to date with Jacqueline’s route here, and through the Clipper Race social media channels.