Yacht Club Punta del Este, Punta del Este, Uruguay

Following an epic journey across the Atlantic featuring everything from fast sailing and squalls to windholes in the Doldrums, and an encounter with King Neptune at the Equator, the fleet can get excited for a very warm welcome from the Yacht Club Punta del Este. The Club has vast experience hosting major sailing events and is internationally renowned for its amazing hospitality.

About the Port

Located at the mouth of the River Plate where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este is one of Uruguay’s true gems. It may be known as the St Tropez of South America, but among the glitzy resorts and top-class restaurants, the city and surrounding landscape is full of natural beauty and plenty to keep the adventurers entertained.

The Clipper Race fleet will sail into Punta del Este, to be hosted by the historic Yacht Club Punta del Este, which is about to celebrate its 100th Anniversary, so Race Crew can expect a fiesta on arrival as the Yacht Club begins its celebrations!

Miles of top sandy beaches makes for a water sports fan’s paradise, whether beginner or advanced. Surfing, kitesurfing, swimming and sailing is part of the culture and way of life here, and the coastline makes for the ideal playground. Plus, Brava Beach is the home to the impressive modern landmark on the Punta del Este peninsula, ‘La Mano’, a large-scale sculpture of a hand rising out of the sand.

A visit to Casapueblo, former home of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, is a must. In addition to his iconic art, the impressive hand-sculpted property tells a story in itself and the regular sun ceremonies in front of its beautiful sunsets are magical. The Fundación Pablo Atchugarry is also a must-visit with its stunning sculptur garden, as is the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MACA). We also recommend taking a boat to nearby Isla de Lobos, which forms part of the Coastal Islands National Park and is home to one of the largest Sea Lion colonies in the world.

Sampling the local food is one of the best things to experience in Punta: a traditional asado, Uruguayan meat cooked over a grill shared with friends, is famed for its exquisite flavour. Local dishes that are a must-try are ‘Chivito’ sandwiches, or sample fish and shrimp fresh out of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can sample classic South American cocktails. - best served at YCPE’s Bar or Restaurant overlooking the sunset. For wine enthusiasts, a tour to the internationally awarded Bodega Garzón should be top of the list not only for its exquisite wine but for the incredible scenery.

Punta del Este stopover information

Once over intrepid crew arrive in port, the Yacht Club Punta del Este and Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will be hosting a diverse programme of events for the general public during the stopover:

12-16 October 2023- Yacht arrivals

The eleven Clipper Race teams will arrive in Punta del Este during this window after a 5,000nm voyage from Puerto Sherry in Spain

Clipper Race Discovery Dome- open 10:00-18:00* between 17-22 October

Find out more about the Clipper Race andmeet the intrepid crew who sail on this epic challenge. Hear from those who have already taken part in previous editions and learn what it takes to sail around the world.

(*Open 10:00-19:00 19 & 20 October)

Beach Clean - 18 October 11:00-13:00

Join Clipper Race crew, staff, supporters and members of the local sailing club for a beach clean between 11:00-13:00. All plastic collected will be used to make buoys. Meet at the Clipper Race dome in the Race Village at YCPE at 11:00 to take part.

Eco Kermesse in aid of UNICEF- 18 October 13:00-17:00

An eco themed fete with all proceeds going to Clipper Race Charity Partner UNICEF. Take part in workshops on how to make bags out of sails, enjoy local food and drink and get a souvenir branded glass.

Tour a Clipper 70 ocean racing yacht – 18- 20 October between 11:00-18:00

Take a look around, above and below deck, on a Clipper 70 ocean racing yacht. Delve into the technology on board and hear first hand about what it is like to live on board – including eating and sleeping and imagine life at a 40º angle. Arrive at the YCPE marina.

Clipper Race Discovery Talk with Della Parsons- 19 October 18:00-19:00 at Yacht Club Punta del Este

Want to race across the world’s oceans? Want to know what it takes to be a Clipper Race crew member? Hear from two-time Clipper Race circumnavigator and Recruitment Director Della Parsons on the epic challenge that is the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, and how to sign up for the adventure.

Click here to register.

Race 3 Start: Punta del Este to Cape Town, Sunday 22 October

12:00 Slipping Lines ceremony- each yacht will depart the YCPE marina at three-minute intervals

13:00 Parade of Sail

15:00 Race Start- watch the Clipper Race fleet set sail on an epic race 3,500nm race from Punta del Este to Cape Town in South Africa. Watch the start-line action from the Yacht Club Punta del Este.