Gunwharf Quays has announced a full weekend of free family activities to celebrate the return of the world’s greatest ocean adventure, Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, to Portsmouth after an 11-month, 47,000-mile race around the world.

Founded in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the Clipper Race invites eleven teams to race eight legs, starting in Portsmouth before visiting countries including Spain, Australia and the United States and then returning to Portsmouth.

The waterfront shopping destination will be hosting a range of celebrations including stage talks, yacht tours and live music from Friday 26th July until Sunday 28thJuly. Over the weekend, guests will be able to enjoy a packed schedule of events at Gunwharf Quays, including:

Friday

  • 10:00 – 17:00 FUTURE CREW ZONE
  • 10:45 – 16:30 CLIPPER 68 MOTOR TOURS Book here
  • 11:00 – 18:00 TOUR A OCEAN RACING YACHT
    12:00 – 12:45     LIVE MUSIC – Mega Sun Machine
  • 13:30 – 1400 LIVE MUSIC –Michael Baker
  • 15:00 – 15:30 STAGE TALK – Discover the Clipper Race
  • 16:00 – 16:30 LIVE MUSIC – Sapphire
  • 17:00 – 17:30 LIVE MUSIC – Baby Panna
  • 18:00 – 19:00 LIVE MUSIC – Baby Said

Saturday

  • 10:00 – 17:00 FACE PAINTING
  • 10:00 – 17:00 MINI PORTS
  • 11:00 – 11:30 STAGE TALK – Clipper Race Grand Finale
  • 11:00 – 12:00 DISCOVERY TALK Book your place
  • 11:30 – 12:00 CLIPPER 2023-24 RACE FINISH · HOW TO WATCH ·
  • 1250 PARADE OF SAIL – Boyne Starboard Lateral Mark
  • 13:08 –  Fleet passes Southsea Castle
  • 13:20 – Fleet passes the Round Tower
  • 13:22 – Fleet passes Spinnaker Tower
  • 14:00 – 14:50 A HEROES WELCOME – Race Fleet Berthing in GWQ Marina
  • 15:15 – 15:30 TEAM PARADE
  • 15:35 – 16:30 PRIZEGIVING CEREMONY
  • 16:50 – 18:20 LIVE MUSIC – The Dhol Foundation
  • 18:00 – 18:45 LIVE MUSIC – Rika

Sunday

  • 10:00 – 17:00 FUTURE CREW ZONE
  • 10:00 – 17:00 FACE PAINTING
  • 10:00 – 17:00 MINI PORTS
  • 11:00 – 18:00 TOUR A OCEAN RACING YACHT
  • 14:30 – 15:30 LIVE MUSIC – Salsa Solent
  • 17:00 – 17:30 LIVE MUSIC – Bradley Jago
  • 18:00 – 19:00 LIVE MUSIC – Black Violet

What’s more, the outlet will also host an array of street food vendors, including local food businesses, No Bull Paella and Braai-B-Que Boys.

Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race teams to Gunwharf Quays as they cross the finish line. There will be a true celebration taking place on our waterfront this weekend, and we look forward to welcoming the teams home alongside our local community.”

Laura Ayres, Managing Director of Clipper Ventures said: “Our Race Crew are returning to Gunwharf Quays after a once-in-a-lifetime adventure around the world, and they deserve every bit of the heroes welcome they are set to receive. Portsmouth is a renowned maritime destination, and we look forward to our crew being able to celebrate their achievements for one last time in this vibrant and welcoming marina.” 

Ben Cranny-Whitehead, Partnerships and Events Executive at the Clipper Race, commented: “Being a Portsmouth local, I’m eagerly anticipating the Clipper Race Grand Finale at Gunwharf Quays, with months of dedication and hard work leading us to this moment. The spectacle of the fleet returning, combined with our final Prizegiving of the edition, plus the festival of live acts on stage, it’s sure to be a weekend to remember.”

The post A weekend of free family fun at Gunwharf Quays to mark the Grand Finale of the ‘Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’ appeared first on All At Sea.