One of the world’s toughest endurance challenges will return to Scotland this summer as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race drops anchor in Oban for only the second time in its 30-year history.
The west coast town will host the global event between 10 and 13 July 2026, with ten teams arriving aboard 70ft ocean racing yachts following a transatlantic leg. The race’s first visit to Oban in 2024 was hailed as one of its standout stopovers, delivering an estimated £2 million boost to the local economy.
Among the fleet is Team Scotland, the first yacht to carry the nation’s branding in the race, which is currently sitting third overall in the 2025-26 edition.
Backed by Brand Scotland, Diageo and the Scottish Association for Marine Science, the team has drawn strong support throughout the race, with fans at home and abroad rallying behind the crew.
Argyll and Bute Council leader Jim Lynch said the return of the race underlined the region’s growing reputation on the global sailing stage. “It is truly thrilling to welcome the prestigious Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to Oban once again,” he said.
“We look forward to welcoming Clipper Race crews and visitors alike for what is set to be one of the standout events on Scotland’s waterfront this summer.”
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Team Scotland skipper Heather Thomas said the crew were relishing the prospect of arriving in Oban after months at sea. “The whole crew is very excited to arrive in Oban,” she said. “We know the welcome is going to be legendary.
“It will be particularly special because the people of Oban and Scotland have been cheering throughout the year as we have raced around the world. It has been a great boost to spirits as we sail through some of the most challenging waters.
"We’re really excited to connect with them in person. It feels very much like a homecoming.”
Thomas also reflected on her previous experience sailing in the region. “I sailed around Argyll and the Isles 12 years ago and I remember it being absolutely stunning, with the most amazing places to moor up.”
Clipper Race chairman and founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said Oban had already proven itself as a memorable stop on the global circuit. “Oban is an incredible destination for our race crew, and we really are pleased to see it back on the route for the 2025-26 edition,” he said.
“The welcome we received in 2024 was simply fantastic, with local pipers greeting each boat and a dram of local whisky for those arriving into port after their transatlantic adventure.
“It’s wonderful for the entire town to come together to give our crews and spectators an incredible memory, and we can’t wait for this edition’s crews to experience it.”
