Is it time for the Race of Your Life? Clipper 2027-28 Race applications now open!

Are you looking for something to challenge you in more ways than you can imagine? Something unique, an endurance test like no other?

Embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure can be daunting. However, now that the Clipper 2023-24 Race is wrapped up, it’s a time for many to be inspired, to reassess their own goals and seek out incredible experiences.

The Clipper Race has always attracted those with a thirst for adventure, but interest has soared in recent years, reflecting the growing desire for people to take a break from the ordinary and embrace something truly extraordinary. And with applications for the 2027-28 edition now open, there has never been a better time to set your course for the race of your life.

Image: The Race of Your Life

The Clipper 2027-28 Race may seem like a way off for many, but planning for an adventure like this takes time. The Clipper Race provides comprehensive training to turn total novices to capable sailors, ensuring that no matter your starting point you'll be prepared to face the challenges of racing across oceans.

Jo Hulton, from New Zealand, circumnavigated on the 2023-24 edition on board Qingdao. Reflecting on her Clipper Race experience, she said:

“It’s life changing. The sailing itself is amazing. I was a novice sailor myself when I started the race and the crew looked after me, kept me going, kept me safe, and they will be in my heart forever!”

Image: Jo and her Qingdao team

With crew from all walks of life sign up for the adventure of a lifetime, with mixed motivations. Jessica Morgan, from the USA, who also circumnavigated on PSP Logistics on this past race edition explains: “As we slowly traversed the globe at 6.6 knots, there was an abundance of time to discuss the deep and meaningful reasons why each of the crew climbed aboard the Clipper 70s for our little global adventure. For some it is fulfilling a life-long dream, for others it is overcoming a devastating personal tragedy. I’m afraid that my motivation wasn’t nearly as epic. It’s simply that I’d never sailed around the world before, and I thought that I’d give it a go. Mission accomplished.”

Over 450 crew are already in training and preparing for the 2025-26 edition, and training for the 2027-28 edition is set to begin next year, with the first batch of Level 1 training courses expected to start in September 2025.

Image: Annick Sickinghe on the helm during the Clipper 2023-24 Race

One of the many advantages of signing up early for the Clipper Race is the flexibility it offers in managing your financial commitment. By getting on board now, you can spread the cost of your adventure through our convenient monthly payment plan. This makes it easier to budget and plan for your race.

The Clipper Race is more than just a sailing event, and someone who knows first-hand about this is Chris Harris, Race Crew Recruitment Director, who sailed in the 2015-16 edition. He says:

“Taking part in the Clipper Race can literally be life changing. I kept seeing advertisements for years saying that ‘no previous sailing experience was required’ and couldn’t believe it until I attended a presentation and got to meet crew who had taken part previously.

Image: Clipper Race crew cross the most remote stretches of ocean

“From being a complete novice, I’ve now sailed thousands of miles at sea and got to visit places I’d never been to before. I even had the privilege of crossing the Equator under sail and officially becoming a Shellback! The welcome that we received at the Asian stopovers will be a memory I’ll never forget, with crowds lining the river to welcome us in. The sailing was fantastic and incredibly varied, but the most rewarding (and challenging) aspect is learning to live on board with around 20 other people who are sharing your dream. The camaraderie from taking part in a challenge such as this simply cannot be matched and it’s no wonder that crew talk about being part of a Clipper Race Family.”

Image: The adventure of a lifetime

With a growing number of enquiries flooding in, it's clear that more people than ever are eager to take part in the Clipper Race. Whether you're a seasoned sailor looking to tick off some of the most remote oceans on the planet like the North Pacific, or a complete beginner wanting to test your limits and learn something new with like-minded people, there's a place for you on this global challenge.

Interested? Contact the Recruitment Team for an informal chat about either the 2025-26 or 2027-28 editions by calling +44 (0)2392 526000 or emailing: [email protected]. Or visit our website to begin your application today: www.clipperroundtheworld.com/apply