Leg 7: Americas Coast-to-Coast
Leg Summary
Big tactical decisions, rising temperatures and easing winds characterise the Americas Coast-to-Coast leg. Passing through the historic Panama Canal, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is also a unique and evocative experience.
- Start
- West Coast, North America
- Finish
- East Coast, North America
- Stages
- 2
- Distance
- 6200mi/11,600km
- Days at sea
- 38
- Temp
- 15°C - 35°C
What to expect
Wildlife
Highly tactical race off the Western Coast of the USA and Mexico
Transit the Panama Canal
Light wind sail trim skills
Caribbean island sailing
Long, hot and slow; a unique physical and mental endurance test
Leg 7 promises breathtaking wildlife, stunning sunsets, settled sea states and a warmer climate, but The Americas Coast-To-Coast leg is also a test of mettle that requires focus, resilience and perseverance in the face of light winds and extreme heat.
Highly tactical, the California Current and fickle winds can make for agonising decision making for teams. Yet for those that have successfully honed their light wind sailing skills and make strong tactical calls, the race south down the West Coast of the USA and Mexico poses an opportunity to climb the overall leaderboard.
Leg 7 teams transit the famous Panama Canal, taking in 48NM of locks, lakes and waterways. An impressive and historical engineering feat that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the transit is a bucket-list item and highlight of the circumnavigation for many Race Crew.
Once the fleet has regrouped on the Caribbean side, classic champagne sailing conditions await as the teams race north; blue skies, white horses and stronger breezes that make livelier upwind racing onwards to the USA’s East Coast.
Previously Visited
New ports are coming soon for the 2025-26 edition! Stay tuned for updates as we announce both legacy and new destinations that Race Crew will discover on the global route.
2023-2024 edition
Panama Canal
Panama
The Clipper Race fleet transits the Panama Canal which is a highlight for the crew, especially the engineers among them.
The history of the Panama Canal goes back to almost the earliest explorers who saw its potential for international trade.
It took more than 400 years for the dream to be realised before it opened in 1914 after 23 years of work, but the feat of engineering is considered one of the largest and most successful projects ever undertaken in the world.
2023-2024 edition
Washington, DC
United States of America
A newcomer to the Clipper Race circuit in the 2023-24 race edition, this vibrant capital city is filled with character and charm. A city where there really is something for everyone, visitors can explore not just historic monuments, museums and memorials, but also picturesque waterfronts, including at The Wharf and a world-renowned dining scene.
In the US capital, there’s no shortage of entertainment to be found. From outstanding shopping in Georgetown, to can’t-miss theatre shows, and outdoor playgrounds like Rock Creek Park can all be found nestled within the city.
Prices starting from £7,600
Build your raceClipper 2025-26 Race: £7,600 // Clipper 2027-28 Race: £7,995
Race Legs
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions...
The time you will need varies from leg to leg. The durations quoted on our “Build Your Race” section of the website and in our brochure, are for the approximate number of sailing days, so you will need to factor in additional time at each end of your leg and also any Host Port stopovers within the leg itself. Legs 2, 3 and 4 were the shortest in the 2023-24 edition at approximately four to five weeks and most of the other legs are between six to eight weeks.
Around 30% of crew members on each team will have done little or no sailing before they train with us. Others will have a range of sailing experience which might be dinghy sailing, flotilla holidays or crew with further advanced RYA qualifications and possibly experience of looking after their own boat. The one thing you will all have in common is that you’re looking to take part in a unique challenge, test your limits and find out if you have what it takes to traverse the oceans of the world.