Oban is preparing to roll out the red carpet once again as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race confirms its return in summer 2026.
The international fleet of eleven yachts will sail into the west coast town as part of its 2025-26 global route, following a successful debut stopover that brought a wave of tourism and energy to the area.
Last year’s visit was hailed a triumph, with Oban joining a prestigious line-up of ports alongside global heavyweights like Cape Town, Washington, DC and Qingdao.
Over 200 crew members from more than 50 nations will descend on the town, all of whom are trained intensively to face the 40,000 nautical mile challenge, regardless of previous sailing experience.
Among this year’s participants are five crew members currently living in Scotland, who may have the rare opportunity to sail into home waters.
Stirling-born Max Rivers, a Clipper Race Deputy Director and former Skipper, said returning to Oban was deeply personal and professionally rewarding.
He praised the scenery, the wind conditions in the Firth of Lorn and the outstanding welcome from the community during the 2024 edition.
Local businesses felt the impact too, with the previous stopover generating an estimated £2 million boost from the crew and their families alone.
Thousands more visitors added to the economic uplift as Oban’s festival atmosphere drew people from across the country and beyond.
Visitors enjoyed everything from Gaelic lessons to whisky tasting, from shinty tasters to castle tours, all showcasing the best of Highland hospitality.
So successful was the event that Oban went on to be crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year in October 2024.
Building on that momentum, the town plans to go even bigger for the 2026 stopover, with more cultural events and community engagement.
Council Leader Jim Lynch welcomed the announcement, saying it was a prime opportunity to shine a global spotlight on Oban and Argyll and Bute.
Clipper Ventures’ Head of Partnerships, Kate Ashley, described Oban as a perfect fit for the race, praising its maritime heritage and generous welcome.
She hinted at the exciting possibility of a Scottish-branded yacht joining the fleet, offering international exposure for a local partner.
The race fleet is due to dock in early summer 2026 as part of Leg 8, a fast-paced 3,900 nautical mile sprint from North America to Portsmouth.
Oban’s place on the route positions it alongside other major ports including Cape Town, Tongyeong and Qingdao, with more locations yet to be announced.
The 2024 event proved to be a strong visitor magnet, with 87% of attendees coming from outside the area and 80% citing the race as the main reason for their visit.
Andrew Spence of Bid4Oban said the town is proud to once again be part of this international journey and plans are already underway for a showstopping welcome.
He added that the warmth of Oban’s community is its greatest asset and one that sets the town apart on the world stage.
