Clipper Finale Cruise 25 July 2026

Published 12:32 on 31 Jul 2026

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, set sail from Portsmouth on Sunday 31 August 2025 and, eleven months later, returned to where it all began on Saturday 25 July 2026. This was a very special cruise to welcome Yacht Section Rear Commodore Simon Fraser and Dinghy Section Rear Commodore Michael Olliff as they sailed back into Portsmouth after completing their Clipper Races. 

The weather was kind to us as we gathered at CYC on Friday evening, enjoying the CYC Round the World Menu, where an interesting selection of barbequed meats were offered. It was a great opportunity for the cruise group to meet up and get into the Clipper spirit ahead of the main event.

On Saturday, 13 CYC yachts set off to welcome the Clipper fleet home. There had been some concerns that the water might be particularly busy, with both the Powerboat Round the Island Race starting at 12.30 and GP Racing at 15.30. However, as we followed the Clipper boats in, the water was surprisingly quiet, and we were able to get alongside and accompany the boats back into Portsmouth Harbour.  It was a real treat to get so close to the returning fleet and cheer them in, with tugs spraying huge arcs of water, flags flying everywhere and a wonderfully celebratory atmosphere. 

We then berthed at Gosport Marina before catching the ferry across to Gunwharf Quays to join the Finale celebrations and watch the prize-giving ceremony where we met up with more CYC members who had arrived by car or train to join in the celebrations. The evening continued with dinner at The Alchemist, a lively modern cocktail bar with atmosphere and an eclectic menu of fusion food to round off a memorable day.

Sunday brought a rather dramatic change in the weather. Drizzle, wind and decidedly rollie seas greeted us as we dispersed and headed our separate ways a reminder, perhaps, that you can't have perfect sailing weather all weekend!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined the cruise and helped make it such an enjoyable and memorable weekend. It was a privilege to be part of the Clipper Finale celebrations and to welcome the fleet home to Portsmouth and particularly special to cheer home our own CYC sailors.