Global Sailing Spectacle Brings International Crews, Public Tours and Waterfront Programming to The Wharf
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 13, 2026) – Events DC invites you to experience Clipper Race Fleet Week as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race arrives in Washington, DC, which is an official Host Port for the 2025-26 race. This free, multi-day waterfront event at The Wharf will feature a fleet of 10 ocean racing yachts, public tours of the yachts, educational programming and celebratory events along the Washington Channel.
One of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race spans more than 40,000 nautical miles over eleven months and brings together participants from around the world, many of whom are everyday civilians trained to become ocean racers. The Washington, DC stop marks a key moment in the transatlantic leg of the race and highlights the city’s growing prominence as a global waterfront destination.
“Washington, DC is proud to host the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and bring this spectacular global sporting event back to The Wharf. We made history in 2024 when we welcomed the fleet for the first time and set a record for the most yacht tours at any stopover in the history of the race,” said Events DC President and CEO, Angie M. Gates. “Clipper Round the World showcases our world-class city as an international destination for sports, culture and legacy. I encourage residents and visitors to join us beginning June 18 for family-friendly fun activities throughout the weekend.”
During Events DC Presents Clipper Race Fleet Week at The Wharf, visitors can step aboard Clipper 70 racing yachts during public tours, meet international crews and hear firsthand stories from sailors who have spent months racing across the world’s oceans. Programming will include Discovery Talks with crew members and skippers, a Race Village with interactive exhibits about the race and a Fleet Week Fan Zone with cultural activations, live art and family-friendly experiences.
Additional highlights include the official arrival of the fleet, where visitors can welcome the world’s largest matched fleet of ocean racing yachts to the nation’s capital, as well as the high-energy Race Start featuring a Crew Parade, “slip lines” departure and Parade of Sail as the fleet departs Washington, DC for the next leg of the global race.
WHEN: Sunday, June 14th - 22nd, 2026 (Schedule subject to change; full programming spans June 14–22, 2026)
- Fleet Arrival Window: June 14–16, 2026
- Race Village: Daily, June 14–22, 2026
- Public Yacht Tours and Fleet Week Fan Zone: Daily, June 18–20, 2026, 12 – 8 p.m.
- Discovery Talks w/ Crew & Skippers: June 18–20, 2026
- Crew Parade, Boat Departure & Parade of Sail: June 22, 2026
WHERE: Between Recreation Pier and The Wharf Marina (650 Wharf Street SW, Washington, DC 20024)
HOW: This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit eventsdc.com and clipperroundtheworld.com. Photos and b-roll will be available for media use upon request.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Meredith Elliott
meredith@thebrandguild.com | 804.539.3430
ABOUT EVENTS DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Platinum-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and CareFirst Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC).
ABOUT THE CLIPPER RACE
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. This unique, epic event sees teams battle extreme conditions as they race more than 40,000 nautical miles around the globe in a true test of fortitude and determination.
The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind that trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers, and many have no previous sailing experience before signing up for the intensive four levels of training prior to racing. Led by a professional Skipper and First Mate, Race Crew can complete the full eleven-month circumnavigation or choose to test themselves on one or multiple legs.
The Clipper Race was founded in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world.
