City of Genova to partner with Clipper Race for first time ever

The City of Genova will be a Team Partner in the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race. This is the first ever Italian collaboration with the global sailing event and will see a Genova team entry race 40,000 nautical miles and complete six ocean crossings. The partnership was revealed today by race founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Ms Alessandra Bianchi, Councillor for Sports Facilities and Activities, at the Genova Boat Show, who also announced that young adventurers from city would be able to apply for one of the places on the Genova yacht.

By partnering with the Clipper Race, the city will showcase itself to the world, as the branded Genova team yacht sails on the challenging circumnavigation, crewed by diverse people from all corners of the world. The yacht will stop at approximately 14 host cities on the global route, offering the opportunity for unique events, business development, marine industry exchanges and tourism promotion, as well as international media exposure promoting Genova to the world.

Central to this partnership is an Ambassador Programme, where young Italians will have the opportunity to race on board a Clipper 70 representing Genova. The city is passionate about involving young Genoese people who, as Ambassador Crew, will not only have the experience of a lifetime in becoming ocean racers, but will proudly represent and champion the City of Genova on the race of their lives.

Genova is a destination rich in maritime history, offering world-class sailing along a coastline with a stunning mountainous backdrop, as well as being home to a 16th century historic centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city and region are filled with exquisite food, great weather, and plenty of leisure activities in the surrounding areas of natural beauty. Aside from the city being a beautiful place to visit and live, it’s Italy’s busiest port and a bustling nautical business hub, brimming with trade, innovation, technology and education.

Speaking at the Genova Boat Show, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “It's fantastic to welcome the City of Genova on board as a Team Partner for the upcoming race edition. The city is steeped in maritime history and culture, and we can’t wait to take this incredible destination around the world on the Clipper 2025-26 Race.

“Over the years, the Clipper Race Ambassador Programmes have been a huge success, not only in showcasing our partners to the world, but by giving individuals a truly life-changing experience in sailing across the world’s oceans. Many Ambassador Crew have gone on to sail professionally or continue their own adventures. I’m very much looking forward to meeting the young Italian sailors as they embark on the race of their lives, representing their city and promoting sailing in Genova for future generations.”

Team Partner Comune di Genova said: “We are so excited to be partnering with the Clipper Race and being a part of this extraordinary adventure that you are taking on!

“As a city we are so proud of our maritime heritage, amazing food, culture and historic UNESCO sites. We want to take Genova to the world stage to encourage as many people as possible to come and experience this beautiful city, which the Clipper Race will help us do as our Genova yacht circumnavigates the world.

"A key highlight of this collaboration is the Ambassador Programme, which will give young Italians the chance to race on board a Clipper 70, representing our city. The Ambassadors will experience an adventure of a lifetime while proudly promoting Genova on the world stage whilst sharing an incredible experience with their fellow Race Crew.

"We can’t wait to meet you and start this adventure!”