First Stop: Punta del Este

Today we are pleased to formally announce that the city of Punta del Este in Uruguay will debut as the South American Host Port during the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

After setting sail from Liverpool, UK, on Sunday 20 August, the twelve Clipper 2017-18 Race teams will race 6,400 nautical miles through the Atlantic Ocean and are expected to arrive in Punta del Este, located on Uruguay’s southern coast between 20 to 25 September.

Commenting on the Clipper Race’s newest Host Port Partner, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, says: “Punta del Este is a vibrant new stopover for the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race and I am very pleased to welcome them as a Host Port Partner.

“Having experienced all that Punta del Este has to offer first hand, I know that the city is well positioned for the Clipper Race and the fantastic Yacht Club facilities will make this a brilliant stopover for Clipper Race crew members, supporters and partners alike.

Dubbed the ‘St Tropez of South America’, Punta del Este is one of South America's most fashionable resorts, enjoying a prime location at the mouth of the River Plate and the Atlantic Ocean.

The city boasts a number of top beaches, fine restaurants and tourist attractions which draw local and international visitors to its shores and will use its Clipper Race exposure to position Punta del Este, and Uruguay more prominently as a must-visit tourist destination and sports capital.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Yacht Club Punte del Este (YPCE) today, where the news was revealed, the Mayor of Maldonado, Agr. Eng. Enrique Antía says: “We are filled with joy and pride to receive the Clipper Round the World Race in Punta del Este to strengthen our identity as Maldonado’s Sports Capital".

Yacht Club Punta del Este (YCPE), which sits proudly on the popular peninsular of Punta del Este, will host the twelve Clipper Race teams and their supporters, when they arrive after completing the marathon north to south Atlantic crossing.

The YCPE holds synonymous values to the Clipper Race; it prides itself on its diversity, promotes and encourages people of all ages to learn to sail, and teaches the values of teamwork and fair play whilst encouraging self-improvement to its members.

Cr. Juan Echeverrito, Commodore of Yacht Club Punta del Este said: “In Punta del Este, in this strategic and privileged point, we are delighted to welcome the Clipper Race. We will be working together with National and Local Authorities to make the stopover in Uruguay a great success.”

The club, which is a bustling centre of yachting and social life, is established as a host port for a number of world-class yachting events including the Velux 5 Oceans.