The world’s oceans are coming to Washington, DC this week as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race docks at The Wharf for a multi-day celebration along the waterfront.
Hundreds of sailors from around the globe are arriving in the District after completing thousands of miles of ocean racing as part of one of the most demanding endurance challenges in the world.
The stopover gives DMV area residents a rare chance to step aboard ocean racing yachts, meet crews, and learn what life is like during an around-the-world sailing race.
Even better, many of the activities planned during the visit are completely free and open to the public.
What is the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, and why is it stopping in DC?
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a nearly 40,000-nautical-mile sailing competition that takes participants around the globe over roughly 11 months.
Unlike many elite sailing competitions, the race is known for training everyday people — many with little or no previous sailing experience — to compete alongside professional skippers.
Washington, DC is serving as an official Host Port for the 2025-26 edition of the race and is welcoming the fleet back after a successful debut visit in 2024.
The District is also represented by its own sponsored yacht, Team Washington, DC, making the stop particularly meaningful for local supporters.
The capital’s stopover is notable as the only East Coast stop for the fleet during this edition of the race, bringing a truly international sporting event directly to the District’s waterfront.
What can visitors do when the Clipper Race arrives at The Wharf?
The arrival of the Clipper fleet is being celebrated through Clipper Race Fleet Week, which runs at The Wharf from June 18th through June 22nd.
Visitors can:
- Tour the Clipper 70 ocean-racing yachts
- Meet sailors and crew members from around the world
- Visit the Fleet Week Fan Zone
- Explore the Race Village and interactive exhibits
- Attend Discovery Talks with skippers and crew
- Watch live art, cultural programming, and family-friendly activities
- See the dramatic Crew Parade and Parade of Sail before the fleet departs
One of the biggest draws will be the opportunity to step aboard the yachts themselves.
More than 200 race crew members are expected to be in Washington during the stopover, giving visitors a chance to hear firsthand stories from sailors who have crossed some of the world’s toughest oceans.
The fleet will remain berthed at The Wharf for several days, creating a unique maritime atmosphere rarely seen in the nation’s capital.
Is it free to attend?
Yes. Most of the Clipper Race Fleet Week programming at The Wharf is free and open to the public.
Public yacht tours, fan zones, educational exhibits, and many scheduled activities do not require admission, making the event an accessible option for families, sailing enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
While some special events may have separate requirements, the primary attraction — seeing the fleet, exploring the waterfront activities and interacting with crews — is available at no cost. For Washington-area residents looking for a unique summer event, this is one of the most distinctive waterfront experiences happening in the District this month.
