Events
Royal Albert Dock confirmed as final destination for global Clipper Yacht Race
Update: It is with regret that we announce the postponement of this event until 2021.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has announced that Royal Albert Dock will be the finishing point for the final leg of the global race.
The Clipper race partnership with Royal Albert Dock (RAD) and the Royal Docks Team will see 700 individuals in 11 teams cross the finish line arrive on 8 August. The unique waterfront and maritime history make the Royal Docks the ideal location for the Clipper 2019-20 Race Finish.
Crossing the finish line
The Royal Albert Dock is the final destination for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
700 participants in 11 teams will cover 40,000 nautical miles during the race.
This is no ordinary boat race. Although we’re looking ahead to next August when the yacht teams pull into RAD, the race has actually already started. It began back in September and the teams will race 40,000 nautical miles around the world, taking in New York, the Australian Whitsundays, Panama and Bermuda before they’ve completed their 11-month journey. It really is a test of endurance and we can’t wait to welcome each team as they cross the finish line.
Our city truly is the sporting capital of the world and this is further proof that London is open to the biggest and best sporting events.
Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London
Round the world
The race is split into eight legs and the full race will take 11 months for teams to complete.
From New York to Bermuda
Founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the event is now in its twelfth edition.
RAD has become a hub for exciting events with a global appeal – Decembers Intelligence Squared event New Economy, Meet New City, and the EFG London Jazz Festival and Greenwich and Docklands International Festival programmes in Summer and Winter this year are just a few of the local events drawing global performers and worldwide attention.
Not only does the race partnership nod to the Royal Docks' history as the centre of global trade and further reinforce the area's modern global connections, the Royal Docks also has a personal significance for founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world. In February 1957, Knox-Johnston joined his first ship as a Cadet in the Merchant Navy, which set sail from Royal Albert Dock to Africa.
Speaking about the race finishing in the Royal Docks, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We’re thrilled that next year’s Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will finish right here in London in the Royal Docks. Our city truly is the sporting capital of the world and this is further proof that London is open to the biggest and best sporting events.”
Action on the Royal Docks
There's action on the water all year round in the Royal Docks. Here, EAL rowing team get some practice in for their own races.
Photo by Tian Khee Siong.
Royal Albert Dock
The Clipper Round the World Race has partnered with RAD and the Royal Docks and the docks will be the final destination of the 40,000-nautical mile race.
Photo by Tian Khee Siong.
The Royal Docks water is active with sports throughout the year – rowing and open water swimming and wakeboarding, so to see the water celebrated in front of a global audience is truly exciting.
The Clipper Yacht Race isn’t the only high profile sporting event happening in the Royal Docks next summer. The Dock to Dock swimming race has a new date and it’s taking place on 12 September 2020 and the London Triathlon is in August. Both events are open for registration now but for those of you keen to keep your feet on dry land, stay tuned for updates about the celebrations when those ships dock in next summer.
