As the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race makes its final crossing into the Northern Hemisphere, the first-ever Team Scotland yacht to take part has taken a podium place in the seventh stage of the race. Today (3 March) it was confirmed that the adventure yacht, sponsored by Oban's host port partners, Brand Scotland, Diageo, Argyll and Bute The Place to 2Be and Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMs), crossed the line of Stage 7: Sailing City - Qingao Cup in third place. This result places the team high up in the leaderboard overall in one of the world's toughest and most rewarding endurance challenges.

Set to make its penultimate stopover in Oban on Scotland's Adventure Coast from 10 July, where they will be welcomed by an 'incredible' Festival of the Sea (11 to 19 July), the Clipper Race is already bringing global attention to Scotland's Adventure Coast, Argyll and the Isles, ahead of a bumper summer of sport.  
  
With no previous sailing experience necessary before signing up for the intensive training programme, this record-breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht is a true test of human determination and endurance - doctors race alongside teachers, tattoo artists and farmers from all corners of the world, including Scotland.  
  
Ten international teams are expected to sail into the bustling port of Oban on Scotland's west coast aboard 70ft ocean racing yachts between 10 and 13 July, marking only the second time in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race's 30-year history that the fleet has stopped in the country. The race's first visit to the town during the 2023-24 edition delivered an estimated economic boost of £2 million.  
  
Team Scotland has been formed to further boost economic growth, trade promotion and inward investment in the 2025-26 edition, while showcasing Oban Single Malt Scotch Whisky and its Distillery Visitor Experience to a global audience. 
  
Speaking about the race experience, Skipper for Team Scotland, Heather Thomas said: “After starting our journey from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth in August 2025, we have now sailed more than halfway around the world. This journey has had many highs and lows, but throughout it all the team has laughed together and supported one-another. A group of people who this time last year were complete strangers have been transformed into a tight-knit crew that no matter what the ocean and weather throws at them, face everything with tenacity, positivity and a generous pour of humour. 
 
“Team Scotland has been well and truly flying the flag for Scotland throughout our stops around the world, including hosting a charity ceilidh in Airlie Beach, Australia to both raise money for UNICEF and give the rest of the fleet a taste of what is in store when we arrive in Oban.  
  
“There is already a buzz of excitement amongst the team to bring our Team Scotland boat to its home in Oban. From meeting proud Scots around the world, the crew has already had a taste of the friendliness and enthusiasm of the people and cannot wait for a true Scottish welcome in Oban.” 
  
Clipper Race Chairman and Founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston added: “Oban, a place I know so well having docked my boat Suhaili there for many years, is an incredible destination for our Race Crew, and we really are pleased to see it plotted back on the Clipper Race route for the 2025-26 edition. The welcome we received in 2024 was simply fantastic, with local pipers greeting each boat, representatives from the council, VisitScotland and BID4Oban on the dock, and a wee dram of local whisky for those arriving into port after their Trans-Atlantic Ocean 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 editions crews to experience it.” 
  
Oban's Festival of the Sea, created to celebrate the arrival of the record-breaking 40,000-nautical-mile Clipper Race, was described as a highlight by many crew members during the 2023-24 edition. The festival will return this year from 11 to 19 July, supported by Argyll and Bute Council, Bid4Oban, the Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative and EventScotland. The celebration is expected to welcome hundreds of Clipper Race crew, friends, family and fans with a week full of Scottish and Gaelic culture and heritage, as they descend on Oban. Celebrations will include a series of musical, cultural, nautical and sporting events providing thousands of expected visitors with incredible lifelong memories. Full programme details will be revealed via oban.org.uk/clipper-race. 
  
Welcoming the return of the Clipper Race, Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch said: “It is truly thrilling to welcome the prestigious Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to Oban once again. Its return highlights our region's exemplar adventure sports offering, and world-renowned hospitality. With the new addition of a Team Scotland yacht, this provides an incredible platform to reach an even wider audience and promote Argyll and Bute across the globe. We look forward to welcoming the Clipper Race adventurers and wish them all the best of luck.” 
  
Cathy Craig, CEO of the Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC -wildaboutargyll.co.uk) said: “The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race's return visit truly reinforces Argyll and the Isles as Scotland's premier sailing destination. The huge array of world-class sailing experiences available within our unique and enviable location, set amongst a large breath-taking cluster of island and coastal retreats, provides the ideal opportunity for beginners and experienced sailors alike to enjoy a sailing adventure.” 
  
Phil Prentice for Bid4Oban, added: “It's fantastic see The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race return to Oban this year. This is testament to all that our incredible town has to offer including our pontoons, independent shops, restaurants, cáfes and attractions. We look forward to providing the crews with a truly exceptional west coast welcome.” 
  
Speaking about the Clipper Race's significance to Scotland, David Adams McGilp VisitScotland Regional Director added: “The return of The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a great addition to our diverse portfolio of sporting and cultural events, raising Scotland's profile as a world-leading events destination. On average, sailing and boating are estimated to contribute £84 million and 3,100 full time equivalent jobs to Scotland, supporting the sustainability of rural and island communities. 
  
“With an outstanding maritime environment and some of the best sailing in the world, Argyll and the Isles thoroughly deserves the success that comes with hosting the prestigious Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The fantastic welcome that awaits crews, organisers and spectators will bring revenue into the local visitor economy, creating more opportunities for our businesses and communities to thrive.” 
  
For more information about the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race's first stop in Scotland, visit oban.org.uk/clipper-race. To follow the yachts' progress visit: clipperroundtheworld.com