The Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race fleet has successfully sailed into Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, marking the highly anticipated twelfth visit for this iconic sailing challenge. Having endured the rigorous 3,500-nautical mile Stage 3: Musto South Atlantic Challenge from Uruguay, the ten 70-foot yachts and their international crew are now docked for a much-needed stopover running from r 4–16 November 2025. The event provides a major drawcard for the city, bringing global attention to its culture, hospitality, and maritime infrastructure.
Current Arrival Status: Race Report Update
Nine of the ten competing teams have now arrived, completing one of the most challenging legs of the circumnavigation. Team GOSH was the triumphant first arrival, finishing the race leg on November 3rd, followed closely by the rest of the fleet over the next two days, including Scotland, London Business School, and Power of Seattle Sports. The successful arrival of all yachts underscores the extreme resilience and teamwork of the amateur Race Crew, who tackle this world-class endurance event with little to no prior experience.
The final yacht, Washington, DC, is making its safe final approach to the port. The team accepted a penalty and opted to motor-sail to ensure a secure and timely arrival following a technical issue encountered earlier in the leg. For the six South African nationals aboard the fleet, the arrival is an emotional homecoming, providing a chance to introduce their international crewmates to their vibrant city.
Significance for Cape Town: A Boost for Tourism and Culture
The stopover is a critical event for Cape Town, extending far beyond the sailing community. Firstly, it provides a powerful economic boost, as the crews, support teams, and international spectators inject significant revenue into the tourism and hospitality sectors. The V&A Waterfront, as the host port, becomes a temporary international maritime hub, showcasing the city’s capacity to handle major global events.
Secondly, the race provides a potent global marketing platform. By being featured alongside other world cities on the race route, Cape Town is showcased to an international audience as a premier destination for adventure sports and culture. The core mandate of the Clipper Race—pushing everyday people to achieve extraordinary feats—aligns perfectly with the city’s identity as a hub for courage and resilience. The yachts, usually reserved for professionals, will be open to the public on November 11 and 12, creating an invaluable opportunity for visitors to interact with the crew and experience life onboard, fostering community engagement and maritime inspiration.
Looking Ahead: The Global Stage
The festivities conclude on November 16, 2025, when the fleet slips its lines. The teams will participate in a spectacular Parade of Sail before commencing Stage 4, heading south and then east across the challenging Southern Ocean towards Fremantle, Australia. The Cape Town stopover successfully provided a critical physical and mental respite for the crews and reasserted the city’s standing as a world-class maritime host, perfectly equipped to welcome major global sailing events.
