About

The Clipper Race reaches its grand finale, as the competing teams return to where they started - Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth - having sailed around the world. A whole weekend of celebrations will run from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 July, with the Saturday designated as Grand Finale Day.

The world's greatest ocean adventure returns to Gunwharf Quays following an 11 month, 47,000 mile yacht race around the world. The event is open to all, so go along to greet the fleet, meet the Race Crew, and join the celebrations. There will be live entertainment into the evening and great international food and drinks fit for the hero's welcome that awaits.

Friday 26 July

Head to the Discovery Zone from 10am as the weekend of celebration kicks off. Find out more about the Clipper Race in the Future Crew Zone, tour an ocean racing yacht, listen to talks on the stage and even get on the water with tours under motor on board a Clipper 68.

10am - 5pm: Future Crew Zone
10.45am - 4.30pm: Clipper 68 Charity Motor Tours
11am - 6pm: Tour an Ocean Racing Yacht
12pm - 1.30pm: Live music
3pm - 3.30pm: Stage talk - Discover the Clipper Race
4pm - 7pm: Live music

Saturday 27 July 2024 - The Grand Finale

The big day! Hundreds of non-professional sailors return to Portsmouth Harbour after racing around the globe. Be part of the action and get swept up in the emotion as the intrepid sailors reunite with their friends and family after nearly a year.

10am - 5pm: Face painting
10am - 5pm: Mini Ports
11am - 11.30am: Stage talk - Clipper Race Grand Finale
11am - 12pm: Discovery talk

11:30 - 12:00: Clipper 2023-24 Race Finish

1pm - 2pm: Parade of Sail:
1pm: Boyne Starboard Lateral Mark
1.08pm: Fleet passes Southsea Castle
1.20pm: Fleet passes the Round Tower
1.22pm: Fleet passes Spinnaker Tower

2pm - 2.50pm: A Hero's Welcome - Race fleet berthing in Gunwharf Quays Marina

3.15pm - 3.30pm: Team parade
3.35pm - 4.30pm: Prizegiving ceremony
4.50pm - 6.45pm: Live music

Sunday 28 July

The full weekend of celebrations continues into Sunday which, after witnessing the homecoming, is the perfect time to discover more about the Clipper Race. Head down to Gunwharf Quays for lots of activities, talks and live music, plus you're guaranteed to spot lots of returning Clipper Race Crew fresh from the race!

10am - 5pm: Future Crew Zone
10am - 5pm: Face painting
10am - 5pm: Mini ports
11am - 6pm: Tour ocean racing yacht Clipper 68
12pm - 12.30pm: Live music
]1pm - 2pm: Superstar sports
2.30pm - 3.30pm: Live music
5pm - 7pm: Live music

On shore in Portsmouth

Take position in the best Portsmouth vantage points and feel the adrenaline as the racing fleet charges toward the finish line. Once you've soaked in the exhilarating and epic conclusion, take a short walk over to Gunwharf Quays for the main event. Join the vibrant celebrations, enjoy a packed programme of entertainment, and cheer on the teams as they make their triumphant arrival.

Viewing locations and walk time to/from Gunwharf Quays:
1. Southsea Castle / 35 minutes (1.7 miles)
2. Battery Wall / 15 minutes (0.6 miles)
3. Hotwalls Beach / 15 minutes (0.7 miles)
4. Round Tower / 15 minutes (0.7 miles)
5. The Point / 17 minutes (0.8 miles)

On the Water

Sail and spectate on a Clipper 68. Go on board a Clipper 68 race yacht for an exhilarating Solent sailing experience before heading to the finish line of the Clipper 2023-24 Race.

This experience offers guests a fantastic and unique opportunity to experience what it's like to sail these incredible yachts with a hands-on experience, before dropping sails and getting a prime view of the Clipper 2023-24 Race fleet as it battles it out for the last few points.

Once the last yacht has finished, the Clipper 68s will head into Gunwharf Quays Marina where guests will disembark in time to view the Parade of Sail as the fleet makes its way into Portsmouth Harbour and docks in Gunwharf Quays.

Price: £160 per person.

Have your own boat? Recreational boat owners are invited to watch from the water. Join a flotilla of fellow enthusiasts and witness the racing fleet cross the finish line from the best seat in the house - your own boat. Note: guidance will be published online, please check this prior to departing.

Online

If you can't make it in person, you can still experience the thrill of the Clipper Race Grand Finale from home with the exclusive livestream. Watch all the action as the fleet crosses the finish line, accompanied by real-time commentary from expert hosts.