Thousands to descend on Oban for final leg of World Clipper Race

Thousands of people are set to descend on Oban as the World Clipper Race sets off on its final leg.

The race fleet arrived in the seaside town last weekend, with local residents joining sailors’ friends and families at the marina to cheer on crews who had successfully crossed the final ocean of their 11-month circumnavigation.

The event, which has arrived in Scotland for the first time in its history, has provided a welcome economic boost to Oban and there are hopes it can become a regular feature on the sailing calendar.

On Sunday, the boats will set sail from Oban for the last leg of the event.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who became the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 1969, is now the president of Clipper Ventures, which runs the Round the World Race.

He told STV News: “I’ve been wanting to bring the Clipper race to Scotland for the last 28 years.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, President of Clipper Ventures. STV News

“At last, we have managed to match up with some equally enthusiastic people here in Oban and Argyll and Bute and get the race here.

“The reception the crews had was phenomenal. It was properly Scottish, we had pipes and all the right things that people expect from a Scottish arrival, and I think the crews are going to have that fantastic memory to take away from here.

“I think like all seamen, when you reach port you let your hair down a bit. They have come into Oban and what they have found is everyone is greeting them, everyone is friendly and so they have been able to mix with the local people here, which is fantastic.

“Bear in mind, half the crews are non-Brits, they are going to take those memories back to their countries, they are going to talk about Oban and what a wonderful place this is.”

Eleven teams are taking part in the Round the World Race and some of those onboard the 78ft foot boats have limited sailing experience.

Oban’s front has been decked out in full race colours and tourists have been exploring what the town has to offer.

A special market celebrating local produce has also been set up near the harbour.

Cathy Craig, CEO of Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative, said: “This is an international around-the-world race, it has never been to Scotland before and the fact that fans, supporters, families have gathered to see their loved ones after such a long time at sea brings a lot of additional business into the town.

“The businesses have been incredible at stepping forward and giving everybody a really warm welcome. The organising committees have really pulled together – it is economically important, it promotes the destination, it helps people understand just how much we have to offer.”