Portsmouth, United Kingdom | Gunwharf Quays | Clipper 2023-24 …

With a track record of hosting major events and with strong links to the maritime and marine sectors, Gunwharf Quays^[1] in the UK waterfront city of Portsmouth will host the Clipper 2023-24 Race Start. Portsmouth is home to the Royal Navy, a key part of the Solent Freeport, and a growing cruise destination, making the city the perfect backdrop for Race Start and Finish.

Gunwharf Quays has partnered with the Clipper Race^[2], becoming its Race Start and Finish Host Port, with civic support from Portsmouth City Council. This is only the second time that Portsmouth has featured on the Clipper Race route (the last time was in 2000) and is set to be the biggest launch in Clipper Race history, with a five-day festival programme of music, food, community and business events to celebrate the start of the next circumnavigation and engage with the local community.

To create a send-off to remember, local sailing clubs, organisations and boat owners invited to join the bon voyage flotilla out on the Solent to wave off the hundreds of sailors embarking on the first leg of the circumnavigation. Tickets for spectator boats will be available to buy in advance of the event, offering a chance to get out on the water and up close to the action, when the race starts mid-afternoon on 3 September.

Gunwharf Quays is home to brilliant waterside shopping, eating and drinking, with a range of eateries from classic British pubs to worldwide cuisine to enjoy with a view of the sea. What’s more, visitors can explore Portsmouth’s maritime history through the National Museum of the Royal Navy, and take in incredible views across the city and Solent from the top of the famous Spinnaker Tower whilst exploring everything this iconic British city has to offer.

References

1. ^{^} Gunwharf Quays (gunwharf-quays.com)
2. ^{^} Gunwharf Quays has partnered with the Clipper Race (www.clipperroundtheworld.com)