Sailing into Uncharted Waters: Korea's Historic Clipper Race Debut

In a groundbreaking move, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a renowned global sailing event, has announced the inclusion of Tongyeong, South Korea, as a host port for its 2025-26 edition. This marks the first time in the race's history that a stopover has been scheduled in the Asian nation, opening up a new frontier for the sport of ocean racing.

Charting a Course for a Global Sailing Spectacle

A Pioneering Stopover in Korea

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a biennial event that has captivated sailing enthusiasts for over three decades, is set to make history with its 14th edition. For the first time, the fleet of eleven Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts will arrive in Tongyeong, South Korea, in the spring of 2026, midway through their 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation. This stopover is expected to draw the largest number of international visitors to a singular sports event in the region, further solidifying Tongyeong's status as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gyeongnam.

Inspiring a New Generation of Korean Sailors

The inclusion of Tongyeong as a host port holds significant meaning for the sport of sailing in Korea. In the previous Clipper Race, two Korean participants, Na Kyung Lee and Jihyun Mun, made their mark by completing the circumnavigation. Na Kyung's achievement as the youngest Korean and first-ever Korean woman to sail around the world has already inspired many within the nation. By bringing the Clipper Race to Korea, the organizers, in partnership with Gyeongnam Province, aim to further ignite the passion for sailing and encourage more Koreans to take on the challenge of ocean crossing.

Navigating the Treacherous North Pacific

The Tongyeong stopover holds particular importance as it precedes the fleet's crossing of the North Pacific Ocean, a stage known as the "big one" due to the extreme conditions faced in one of the most remote stretches of the planet. This challenging leg will test the mettle of the crews and showcase the true spirit of the Clipper Race, where amateur sailors from all walks of life come together to conquer the open seas.

A Milestone in the Clipper Race's Legacy

The 2025-26 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will mark the 30th anniversary of this iconic event, which was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world. The inclusion of Tongyeong as a host port is a testament to the race's continued evolution and its commitment to expanding its global reach, offering a unique opportunity for sailors and spectators alike to be a part of this historic milestone.

Charting a New Course for Korean Sailing

The Clipper Race's arrival in Korea represents a significant moment for the nation's sailing community. By showcasing the thrill and challenges of ocean racing, the event has the potential to inspire a new generation of Korean sailors to take up the sport and embark on their own global adventures. As the fleet sets sail from Tongyeong, the world will witness the dawn of a new era in Korean sailing, where the country's rich maritime heritage and the Clipper Race's legacy converge to create a truly unforgettable spectacle.