The Clipper Race celebrates 30 years of boundary-breaking adventure

Clipper Race's 7 circumnavigators, on board Suhali. L-R: Jake Carter, Chief Instructor; Hannah Brewis, Manager; Dale Smyth, Director; Sir Robin Knox-Johnston; Jacqueline Kavanagh, Crew Manager; Mike Brien, Fleet Electrician; Max Rivers, Deputy Director © Clipper Race

This month marks 30 years since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world, founded the Clipper Race.

In doing so, he broke down the barriers to ocean racing and, since the first edition set off from Plymouth in October 1996, some 7,000 people from many different walks of life have had the opportunity to follow in his footsteps and achieve something remarkable.

One of the secrets to the success and longevity of the biennial event is the highly experienced team of staff who work behind the scenes; 17 percent of the team that delivers the Clipper Race have completed at least one circumnavigation themselves.

Says Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: "Over 7,000 people have now been introduced to ocean sailing through the Clipper Race and it has introduced more people in Britain to sailing than any other organisation."

The Clipper 2025-26 Race will be the event's 14th edition and will start this summer from Portsmouth, UK.