Clipper Round the World Race: First pictures: The new yachts for life-changing cabin charters have arrived
Fridtjof Gunkel
· 26.09.2026
One Design XXL for the round-the-world stage race
Using one-design boats, amateur sailors – who have been trained by Clipper – sail round the world in stages under the guidance of expert skippers (as reported by YACHT). The new fourth-generation boats embody 30 years’ experience from numerous round-the-world voyages and the feedback from some 7,000 sailors since the first edition of the race, which the British offshore sailing icon Robin Knox-Johnston had founded. After all, he was the first person to sail non-stop and solo round the world. The new fleet of twelve boats is set to be deployed for the next race, which will mark the Clipper Round the World Race’s entry into its fourth decade. According to the organisers, the new 72-foot boat, the Clipper RX, is characterised by a highly seaworthy design with outstanding safety features, as well as strong performance both close-hauled and downwind.
Two cockpits, two dodgers, two companionways
The two dodgers in front of the helm and the working cockpit are particularly striking; they are designed to provide the watch crew with the best possible protection. Beneath them are two companionways, which also serve to enhance safety by eliminating the need to walk long distances on deck. In contrast to this is another feature. The foredeck is very wide due to the voluminous bow section, even in the area of the forestay. This is intended to make changing the headsails easier; the Clipper boats are fitted with stay riders on the luff and do not use furling systems. Below deck, the boat is packed full, particularly with berths. Around ten berths per side, which can be adjusted to suit the heel, are provided.
Clipper RX: Materials from England, manufactured in China, used worldwide
The two rudders are attached to the transom and can be folded up. This makes them easier to repair and allows them to fold upwards in the event of contact with a UFO. Two hydrogenerators are also mounted at the stern. The Clipper boats are built in China using a foam sandwich construction with vinyl ester resin in a vacuum injection process. The basic concept was further developed by Fish Marine Design-Composites (MDC), based in Hampshire, into a final design; the hull lines were created by the British designer Nigel Irens. He considers himself fortunate and says: “It is very unusual to be able to design a boat based on so much information and feedback.”
William Ward, co-founder and CEO of Clipper Ventures: “I am very proud of what we have achieved over the last 30 years and how we have steadily moved the company forward despite some major challenges – from economic crises to the global pandemic. Today, we host the world’s leading event of its kind, attracting international participants seeking a life-changing adventure. The experience we have gained is exceptional and has been channelled into this significant investment in a new fleet that will see us through our fourth decade. Over the past 20 years, we have built a strong partnership with Qingdao in China, where we build our latest fleet to the highest quality standards at globally competitive prices.”
Clipper Race: 40,000 nautical miles, 8 legs, 15th edition planned
The following is currently underway: Races 2025/26 over 40,000 nautical miles, divided into eight legs, which set sail from Portsmouth, England, last August. This is already the 14th edition of the event. The fleet is expected to be deployed for the 15th edition, which, according to current plans, is due to start in late summer 2027. The new boats are set to be used in the next six editions of the race. The old workhorses will be overhauled and are then to be used for youth training or for charter.
Clipper RX Technical Specifications
- Total length 22 m
- Width 5.75 m
- Draught 3.2 m
- Mast height 30.5 m
- Weight 40 t
More about the race
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT