St. Thomas to Host the Clipper Round the World Race in 2027-28 — and Field a USVI Team
The Clipper Race is coming back to the Caribbean — and this time the USVI has a boat in it.
St. Thomas will make sailing history in 2027-28 when the U.S. Virgin Islands debuts as both a Host Port and Team Partner in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. It’s the first time in the race’s 30-year history that the USVI will host a stopover and have a team carry the territory’s flag around the world. The partnership also brings the race back to the Caribbean after 14 years.
“This prestigious partnership reinforces the Territory’s commitment to elevating its global tourism profile while strengthening its position as a premier Caribbean sailing and maritime destination,” says Alani Henneman, Assistant Commissioner of Marketing and Communications for the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
The USVI team will race more than 40,000 nautical miles to 13-plus destinations over 11 months aboard a new Clipper RX ocean racing yacht. When the fleet reaches St. Thomas, hundreds of international sailors and visitors will come ashore. St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC) and the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) will collaborate on the Host Port program.
The race starts from the UK in summer 2027 and returns nearly a year later. Founded in 1995 by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the Clipper Race trains people from all backgrounds, regardless of previous sailing experience, to become ocean racers. Crew can compete in one or more legs or complete the full circumnavigation. www.clipperroundtheworld.com
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
