Argyll and Bute Council has hailed the arrival of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Oban earlier this summer as a roaring success and councillors have agreed to consider a proposal to make a bid for the event to return to the town in 2026.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is renowned as one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world and welcomes adventurers from all lifestyles to take on the task of racing across the globe on board a 70ft yacht.
The council joined forces with Oban Business Improvement District (Bid4Oban) to host the Oban stopover from 12 July to 21 July 2024.
This was the first time the prestigious global sporting event had ever come to Scotland and at today’s Full Council meeting, councillors heard how the 252 Clipper crew and officials and their 600 family and friends received a very warm Scottish welcome during the 10-day Festival of the Sea.
The crew, comprising of 55 nations, became ambassadors in making Argyll and Bute an internationally recognised destination for adventure water sports. They immersed themselves in the local culture with walking tours around Oban and visits to Dunollie Castle, a trip to Lismore and whisky tastings at Oban Distillery. They also took part in Gaelic lessons, Scottish music, a shinty taster session and lots more.
General feedback shows that guests were delighted by the local hospitality and are keen to come back.
Argyll and Bute Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “It was a great honour to host the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Oban. The town was bustling with excitement and the feedback we received from the crew, their family and friends, locals and visitors to the area has been extremely positive.
“The event attracted lots of national media coverage, helping to put Oban on the map and highlighting the amazing marine tourism opportunities we have here in Argyll and Bute. The Clipper Race and the Festival of the Sea provided a welcome economic boost to the area and I am delighted we are now considering making a bid to host the race again in 2026.”