Clipper Round The World Race

Welcome by Coral Sea Marina CEO Kate Preston

We are delighted to welcome the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race back to Airlie Beach and Coral Sea Marina. This marks the fifth time we have had the privilege of hosting the Clipper Race fleet during the Australian leg of its global circumnavigation — and their continued return is a strong endorsement of both Coral Sea Marina and Airlie Beach, further cementing the Whitsundays as Australia’s premier sailing destination.

The energy and excitement this race brings to our marina and town is truly infectious, and we encourage the community to make the most of the events on offer throughout the stopover. From public open boat days to the Clipper Race Discovery Talk, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and experience the spirit of this remarkable event.

With the Whitsundays set to host sailing events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Clipper Race’s return continues to shine an international spotlight on the region’s ability to deliver world-class sailing experiences. Supported by outstanding marina facilities, a vibrant coastal town atmosphere and a well-established marine tourism industry, we hope crew and supporters alike enjoy all that the region has to offer.

On behalf of the marina team and the wider Whitsunday boating community, we warmly welcome the fleet, race team and crew back to paradise.

Kate Preston
CEO – Coral Sea Marina

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The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is an extreme 40,000-nautical-mile ocean adventure that tests endurance in some of the world’s harshest conditions.

One of the race’s defining features is its accessibility. Applications are open to everyone, with no previous ocean sailing experience required before beginning the intensive training programme. Just as the ocean makes no distinctions based on age, gender or background, neither does the Clipper Race. Comprehensive training ensures every participant develops the skills and confidence needed to race safely on the open ocean.

During the race, crew members may encounter the powerful swells of the Roaring Forties, the isolation and icy conditions of the North Pacific, or the fast-paced Atlantic Trade Winds. Participants can choose to complete the full circumnavigation, combine multiple legs, or join for a single ocean crossing — each option offering an unforgettable adventure.

The Clipper Race is not for the faint-hearted. A full edition spans approximately 11 months, with around 220 days spent racing at sea, day and night, in all weather conditions. While stopovers between stages provide brief respite, crews are still responsible for essential tasks such as maintenance and restocking supplies.

The race consists of eight legs.

Leg 1 – Atlantic Trade Winds (UK to South America)
A demanding opening leg that launches the circumnavigation with Race Start celebrations, mixed conditions and an Atlantic crossing. Crews face shipping lanes, light winds, the doldrums and a milestone equator crossing before steadier trade winds carry them to South America.

Leg 2 – South Atlantic Challenge (South America to South Africa)
Fast, exhilarating racing with big swells and strong trade winds. Tactical decisions dominate as teams choose routes around the South Atlantic High, often leading to tight finishes and dramatic leaderboard changes.

Leg 3 – The Roaring Forties (South Africa to Western Australia)
A high-octane Southern Ocean leg featuring powerful westerlies, huge seas and raw natural beauty. Rounding the Cape of Good Hope and surfing at extreme speeds, this is one of the most respected and adrenaline-fuelled legs of the race.

Leg 4 – Australian Coast-to-Coast (West to East Australia)
One of the most diverse legs, spanning cold southern latitudes to tropical heat. Crews round Cape Leeuwin, race south of Tasmania, then tackle tactical sailing up Australia’s east coast—often while celebrating Christmas and New Year at sea.

Leg 5 – Asia Passage (East Australia to China)
A varied, multi-stage leg combining long ocean racing with short tactical sprints. Crews cross the equator again, endure intense heat, navigate busy shipping lanes and enjoy culturally rich stopovers across Asia.

Leg 6 – The Mighty Pacific (China to North America)
The longest and most extreme leg of the race, crossing the vast North Pacific. Crews face freezing temperatures, phenomenal seas, hurricane-force winds and record boat speeds, plus the milestone crossing of the International Date Line.

Leg 7 – Americas Coast-to-Coast (West to East North America)
A slow-burn, highly tactical leg marked by heat, light winds and endurance sailing. Highlights include wildlife encounters, the transit of the Panama Canal and classic Caribbean sailing conditions toward the US East Coast.

Leg 8 – Atlantic Homecoming (North America to UK)
The final push to the finish, where overall standings are often decided. Crews battle North Atlantic conditions before a last sprint home, culminating in emotional finish celebrations after completing the full circumnavigation.

Each participant is assigned to one of ten race teams, each made up of around 60 race crew members. Up to 22 crew can be on board at any one time, with everyone sharing duties under a structured watch system.

Through this journey, participants train to become ocean racers, experiencing the exhilaration of circumnavigating the globe aboard a 70-foot racing yacht. Free information packs are available, and interviews can be booked to begin the journey.

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RACE DISTANCE
40,000NM

LEGS
8

OCEAN CROSSINGS
6

RACE CREW
700+

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