Korea hosts first-ever global sailing competition with Clipper Race in historic event
The Clipper Race is set to make history by bringing competitive round the world sailing to Korea for the first time ever. Tongyeong in South-East Korea has been announced as a Host Port on the Clipper 2025-26 Race global route, marking a landmark partnership between Clipper Ventures and the Gyeongnam Province.
The arrival of the eleven strong fleet of Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts in Tongyeong in spring 2026 will be a significant moment, as it will be the first time a round the world sailing event has made a stop in Korea. The stopover is expected to draw a large number of international visitors to the city, known for its lush archipelago and beautiful coastline.
The Clipper Race, known for training people from diverse backgrounds to become ocean racers, will celebrate its thirty-year anniversary in 2026. With over 6,000 crew trained in ocean racing so far, the event aims to inspire more people to participate in sailing and take up the challenge of making an ocean crossing.
The partnership with the Gyeongnam Province aims to have a long-term sustainable impact in the region by increasing accessibility to the sport of sailing and boosting participation at a grassroots level. The stopover in Tongyeong will be especially important for Race Crew as it precedes the challenging North Pacific Ocean crossing.
Governor PARK Wan-soo expressed excitement about hosting the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Tongyeong, stating that it will elevate the city as a world-class marine leisure tourism destination. President LEE Sang-seok of the Gyeongnam sailing Federation also welcomed the opportunity to host the event and support the sailors in their preparations.
In addition to the announcement in Korea, the Clipper Race revealed Genova as its first ever Italian Race Partner with a team entry on the Clipper 2025-26 Race. The details about the Genova team yacht were presented at the Genova Boat Show.
This latest development follows the Clipper Race’s commitment to expanding its global presence and providing unique sailing opportunities for participants around the world.
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Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.