The 2025–26 Clipper race scheduled a second Oban stopover, connecting the fleet with Scotland’s west-coast sailing community.
An Atlantic fleet returns to Oban
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race returned to Oban for a stopover in July 2026 after a previous visit in 2024. The published programme set the stop between 10 and 19 July.
This is a retrospective look at a scheduled event, not an invitation to attend the now-past stopover. Oban’s location gave the fleet a west-coast Scottish destination.
Team Scotland at the centre
The edition included a fully branded Team Scotland entry, with support from organisations including Brand Scotland and Oban Distillery. Skipper Heather Thomas and first mate Millie Apperley led the team.
Scottish sailors were also distributed across the broader Clipper fleet. The local programme highlighted sailing and the surrounding community, not just one competing yacht.
A meeting of ocean and shore
Stopovers give crews time to recover, maintain their boats and engage with local people. Visitors can also see how a long offshore race is supported once the fleet reaches port.
A racing fleet’s arrangements differ from independent cruising berths. Future yacht visitors should check their own access and harbour services.
A broader west-coast journey
Oban offers connections to Scotland’s island cruising grounds for people planning their own voyages. The Clipper visit provides one chapter in the area’s relationship with ocean sailing.
The original RYA preview and event-specific photograph document the programme. Later Clipper dates should be checked with the organiser.
Source
Royal Yachting Association