14 Sep Puerto Sherry Bids Farewell to the Spanish Stopover of the Clipper Race
A historic day in the Bay of Cádiz with the simultaneous departures of the Clipper Round the World Race and the Globe 40
El Puerto de Santa María, September 14, 2025. – The Bay of Cádiz experienced an unforgettable day this Sunday with the official departure of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from Puerto Sherry, the only Spanish stopover of the most demanding and inclusive circumnavigation regatta in the world.
A successful week of activities and sailing spirit
After setting sail from Portsmouth (United Kingdom) on September 3 and covering over 1,600 nautical miles under challenging sea and wind conditions, the fleet of ten Clipper 70 yachts concluded a dynamic week in Puerto Sherry before heading to Punta del Este (Uruguay), the first major transatlantic leg of the 40,000-mile race.
Throughout the stopover, hundreds of locals and visitors flocked to the marina to discover the boats and meet the international crews. An open-to-the-public program offered guided tours, nautical workshops, live music, and a lively community atmosphere by the sea.
Both the race organizers and Puerto Sherry’s team highlighted the “highly positive balance” of the event, praising the warm welcome from the community and the marina’s facilities, which proved ideal for preparing the teams for the demanding Atlantic crossing.
An emotional farewell ceremony
The final day began with a farewell ceremony at the Hotel Puerto Sherry Terrace, led by Valle de la Riva, president of Puerto Sherry, together with the marina’s management team. One of the most moving moments came with the reading of a farewell letter by the daughter of Luis Martínez-Curt, a Spanish crew member sailing on board the Quingdao.
Two ocean races, one stage
September 14 will go down as a historic date, as the Bay of Cádiz witnessed the simultaneous departure of two prestigious transoceanic races. While the Clipper Race set course for South America from El Puerto de Santa María, the Globe 40 departed from Cádiz city towards Cape Verde. A unique coincidence that placed Cádiz at the epicenter of international ocean racing.
The essence of the Clipper Race
Founded in 1996 by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the Clipper Race is the only circumnavigation designed for amateur sailors. Crews, many of whom have little or no previous ocean racing experience, face eight legs aboard the Clipper 70 yachts, with just two professionals per boat. For most participants, the journey is not just a sporting competition but a life-changing and transformative adventure.
Puerto Sherry strengthens its global sailing role
With this second stopover — following the first in 2023 — the Clipper Race reinforces Puerto Sherry and the Bay of Cádiz as a global hub for ocean sailing. A week that will remain in the memory of the city, the sailors, and all lovers of the sea.
