When the race arrives in Seattle in spring 2026, it will be the fifth time the city and Race Partner Seattle Sports Commission has welcomed the Clipper Race fleet following a relentless race across the North Pacific Ocean. This edition celebrates ten-years of partnership, and five visits, making Seattle the most featured US city on the Clipper Race route.  

In addition to hosting a stopover, the city will also be represented on the eleven-month circumnavigation with a Seattle team that will compete in the toughest endurance challenge on the planet while waving the flag for the city.  

The Port of Seattle will host the Clipper Race fleet at Bell Harbor Marina for the duration of its stay, where the newly redeveloped waterfront will be just steps from the marina the global adventurers will call home for their week-long stop.

The Washington State stopover will be the final port of call for crew competing on Leg 6: The Mighty Pacific. Known as ‘The Big One’, this stage of the race tests Race Crew’s physical and mental endurance. When crossing the North Pacific, the crew can face Hurricane Force winds, towering waves and freezing temperatures. Teams must battle a feeling of true isolation as on this stretch of ocean, they will often be closer to astronauts on the international space station than other humans on land.  

“Hosting an international sailing race in Seattle is a great fit for the boating passion in our region and compliments our global event portfolio," said Seattle Sports Commission President and CEO Beth Knox.

Seattle makes for an idyllic stopover location for Clipper Race teams. Nestled on the shores of the Puget Sound and surrounded by mountainous terrain, the approach to the Emerald City by boat is majestic. During the stopover, Seattle offers endless opportunities to take in nature and explore the surrounding National Parks, take a walk through the iconic Pike Place market and visit the Space Needle.

Nine Washington State locals have so far signed up to compete on various legs of the Clipper 2025-26 Race. Two of these are set to complete the full circumnavigation, one further to sail into their home state on Leg 6 – and another waving goodbye as they embark on the Americas Coast to Coast Leg (Leg 7).    

Says Kate Ashley, Clipper Race Head of Partnerships: “On our upcoming edition we will be celebrating ten years of collaboration with Seattle – so it’s only fitting that Seattle Sports Commission returns with both a Host Port and Team entry.