Get ready to #RaceLikeALegend in this year’s Knox-Johnston Cup

The highly anticipated Knox-Johnston Cup, hosted by Clipper Events, is returning to the Solent on 28-29 September 2024 and team registration is now open!

Image: Race on board Clipper 68s and 70s

Named in honour of our founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, our flagship race aims to reignite the joy of big boat racing through an exhilarating weekend of racing, socialising, camaraderie and networking.

Racing on our fleet of Clipper 68 and Clipper 70 race yachts, your team of up to twelve will be led by a Skipper, First and Second Mate on an exciting circuit around the Isle of Wight which incorporates strategic racing elements from the Clipper Race.

Says Race Skipper, Dan Bodey: “Very much like the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the Knox-Johnston Cup has a scoring gate and a sprint section to add a little more excitement in. Great elements that give the crew a little something extra to focus on.

“It’s also a very social event, when you can come in the evening you can have some sundowners a bit of a party, trade stories and have some fun.”

Image: KJ Cup prizegiving

ITINERARY

Friday 27 September

Join your team at Clipper Events’ HQ in Gosport for prep and registration.

Saturday 28 September – preparation, training, celebration!

After a full day of training on the water, teams berth at Cowes, Isle of Wight. A pre-race briefing is followed by a Knox-Johnston Cup Celebration Evening.

Sunday 29 September- race day

The Knox-Johnston Cup itself starts off the coast of Cowes and heads anti-clockwise, finishing at Bembridge. The 42 nautical mile long course, which is split into three legs, isn’t just about claiming line honours but also tactically accumulating extra points that can sway the overall podium standings.

Image: KJ Cup Race route

These can be gained from three of the Clipper Race’s tactical elements:

• Scoring Gate – a line between two virtual marks which a team can choose to pass through. The first three teams who cross the gate gain extra race points (three for first, two for second and one for third).
• Joker – points gained from the yacht’s finishing position at the end of the leg will be doubled.
• Sprint – a time trial between two virtual marks. The fastest three teams gain extra race points (three for first, two for second and one for third).

Isle of Wight local and Race Skipper, Max Rivers, explains what to expect racing around the island: “The course will start using the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron line and head down the western Solent out past the needles, fantastic landmark on the Isle of Wight, really unique place to sail around.

Image: KJ Cup 2022

“Then you will round the south of the island, St Catherine’s point, where some really strong tidal flows can either make or break your race, very tactical whether you head inshore or offshore, big decision. Before sailing across Shanklin and Sandown bay where you get some really strong breezes, funnelling down through the bay. All the way up to finish off Bembridge ledge, nice and close to Portsmouth to head in, celebrate and have a drink at Prizegiving in the evening.”

Following a competitive day of racing, crews will return to Gosport for the Knox-Johnston Cup Prizegiving – the perfect opportunity to share stories from the water and raise a glass to competitive success and new friendships.

The Knox-Johnston Cup welcomes teams of six to twelve crew members and is open to all over 18’s with no previous sailing experience required – ideal for groups of friends, corporate teams, or Race Crew, alumni and supporters looking for an unforgettable experience.

Watch the video below for a taste of what to expect!

Fees are £6500 plus VAT per team entry and includes; entry into the Knox-Johnston Cup for up to 12 people on a Clipper Race yacht, two days of on-the-water big boat sailing experience, Musto technical team top to keep, use of Musto BR2 offshore jacket and salopettes, food and drink whilst on board, additional hospitality events, on the water action photography package, a professional Race Skipper, First and Second Mate, berthing and insurance and all on board safety equipment.

Want to join us?

Team entries are now open!

Click here to sign up, or email [email protected] / call the team on +44 (0)2393 382 848.