Clipper Ventures Reveals New Arctic Circle Sailing Expedition

31st January 2022

SKIRR’s debut Arctic voyage, a 4,802 nautical mile long High Latitude Expedition split into five legs, will set off from Gosport, UK, on Friday 1 July 2022 bound for Iceland and Greenland via Scotland and the Faroe Islands.

Clipper Ventures will be offering expedition sailing to Greenland from summer 2022 as it unveils its new subsidiary, SKIRR Adventures. The company has also announced exhilarating big-boat racing, including the new Knox-Johnston Cup and an experiential sailing programme as it relaunches its Clipper Events business.

Set to offer expedition voyages to some of the planet’s most powerful and remote locations - by sea and land - SKIRR Adventures will meet the growing demand for adventure and unique experiences following long periods of lockdown.

SKIRR’s debut Arctic voyage, a 4,802 nautical mile long High Latitude Expedition split into five legs, will set off from Gosport, UK, on Friday 1 July 2022 bound for Iceland and Greenland via Scotland and the Faroe Islands. The full round-trip will take eight weeks to complete and adventurers can choose one leg, combine several stages, or complete all five.

SKIRR Adventures will meet the growing demand for adventure and unique experiences following long periods of lockdown

Once moored, there will be a chance to explore icescapes closer to shore and guides will lead day-expeditions ashore amongst some of the most imposing yet beautiful landscapes shaped by the forces of nature.

Chris Rushton, Principal of SKIRR Adventures, said: “SKIRR Adventures brings together the pioneering spirit that runs through each of Clipper Ventures’ entities. It will offer a new, accessible way to take part in a hands-on adventure expedition whilst being guided through some of the most imposing and powerful landscapes that very few people have the opportunity to explore.”

“Due to the nature of this expedition, some previous sailing experience is required to take part - this can be Clipper Race training, RYA Day Skipper or equivalent experience - however, training will be available to book in advance of the expedition, to those who are new to sailing.”

Experiential Sailing - sailing to Greenland

Clipper Events, sister company to Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, has re-invented its offering focusing on three new pillars; Experiential Sailing, Bespoke Events and an exhilarating Iconic Races big-boat racing programme, including a new sailing race, the Knox-Johnston Cup.

Says Laura Ayres, Clipper Ventures Head of Events and Partnerships: “This is a fresh start for Clipper Events, with a clear focus on experiences that draw on our heritage and expertise.

“In response to a post-pandemic desire for adventure, outdoor experiences and the corporate world’s need to reconnect with colleagues and clients, we have relaunched our Clipper Events programme. Taking part in big-boat racing, we’ll be offering competitive sailing action, giving access to iconic races, on board our own yachts. And with a 25 year history of introducing people to sailing for the first time, our experiential events, far removed from the workplace, will re-engage employees, bolster confidence, identify potential and develop leadership.

Clipper Ventures is the organiser of the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race

The new Iconic Races programme enables teams and individuals to compete in world-renowned offshore races, lining up against some of the leading names in sailing, on board the purpose-built racing fleets of 68 and 70-foot yachts.

In addition to a jam-packed schedule of Round The Island Race 2022, Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland 2022 and RORC Fastnet 2023, the Iconic Races calendar will also include the Knox-Johnston Cup. The event, named in honour of Clipper Race Founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, will see teams race around the Isle of Wight with the added tactical racing features of the Clipper Race.

Clipper Events’ new Experiential Sailing programme focuses on reinvigorating professional leadership and development days, allowing guests to explore boundaries, take measured risks and develop team building whilst cementing relationships and forging new connections.

Under the guidance of a highly experienced professional skipper and first mate, the objective led programmes cater for teams of up to twelve per yacht to enjoy memorable corporate days like no other.

Bespoke Events open up the exhilaration of sailing on board an ocean racing yacht - for a day, a weekend, in a regatta, or private event. From industry regattas, educational, environmental or social programmes to TV filming and private charters, the experienced Clipper Events team is on hand to build a responsive, tailored solution.

Clipper Ventures is the organiser of the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race. It’s 2019-20 edition was suspended in 2020 due Covid-19 but will be restarting from Subic Bay, Philippines in March 2022.

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.