Scotland Backs Team Entry in Clipper Round‑the‑World Race

 

Brand Scotland and Oban Distillery (Diageo) have teamed up to launch a Team Scotland entry in the upcoming Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The biennial event, founded in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox‑Johnston, covers 40,000 nautical miles around the globe and is open to sailors of all experience levels.

The 2025‑26 edition begins on 31 August and is the only race to cross all six oceans—including the challenging North Pacific.

Already, women hold 55 per cent of leadership roles in this edition, a first in a round‑the‑world sailing race. Team Scotland's Skipper is Heather Thomas, with Millie Apperley as First Mate. 

Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “Brand Scotland is supporting the Scottish Clipper Race team … the Team Scotland boat will help sell the very best of Scotland around the world.”

From Diageo, Dafydd Pugh Williams commented:

“We’re proud to support the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race … Scotch whisky is a powerful symbol of Scotland’s heritage.”