Event Overview

Celebrate 30 years of the Clipper Race with a special edition of the Knox-Johnston Cup in 2026 (date TBC). Register your interest by clicking here. 

Join us for the third edition of the Knox-Johnston Cup, an event crafted to showcase the camaraderie, competition and joy of big boat racing on board our fleet of Clipper 68 and Clipper 70 race yachts. With 2026 being the 30th anniversary of the first Clipper Round the World Race, this iconic event, named in honour of our esteemed founder – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, is going to be an extra special celebration of sailing as we send our fleet of yachts on an exciting 45 nautical mile race around the Isle of Wight.

The Knox-Johnston Cup (also known as the ‘KJ Cup’) is not just about claiming line honours but also tactically accumulating extra points that can sway the overall podium standings. Divided into legs, the race also includes a number of features from the Clipper Race including a scoring gate, timed sprint, and the game-changing double points Joker card. Combined with a strong team atmosphere on board and in port, this race promises a dynamic, engaging and all-in-all fun experience for participants.

Open to individuals, businesses, organisations, Race Crew alumni, supporters, and teams of friends, this event warmly welcomes participants of all experience levels. Whether you’re an offshore racer with thousands of miles under your belt or you have never set foot on a boat before, the Knox-Johnston Cup ensures a blend of fun, social interaction, and spirited competition. The event features a dedicated day for pre-race training and throughout your time on board, you will be under the guidance of a professional Skipper, First and Second Mate on board to ensure a safe and fun experience. Plus, the weekend features the chance to meet new people, network, and share moments with friends, topped off by the classic sundowner gatherings, making for a memorable weekend both on and off the water. Join us for an event where the thrill of the race meets the joy of shared moments on the open sea.

More details will be made available in Spring 2026 but for now you can register your interest to participate below:

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW: CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A TEAM ENTRY REQUEST

For more information on this event or how to enter, please e-mail or call us on +44 (0)2393 382848.

PRICE

TBC

PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Knox-Johnston Cup Race Entry
  • Pre-race training day
  • Prize giving
  • Food and drink all weekend
  • Musto Team Top
  • On board accommodation
  • Fun, social and highly competitive racing

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Iconic feature race inspired by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
  • Unique Clipper Race course features
  • Experience the thrill of racing as a matched fleet
  • Competitive but social event, no experience required

Itinerary

Please note this itinerary is indicative and correct at the time of posting and liable to change at any moment. If you have any questions surrounding the event and listed itinerary do get in touch with a member of the team.

  • Option to join the yacht from 1800 and stay on board

  • Welcome and team allocation with breakfast at Clipper HQ, Gosport followed by a safety brief
  • Once on board day one will includes a morning of sail training, learning or refreshing all the essential skills.
  • Lunch on board and an afternoon of tactical training.
  • Sundowners in Cowes, Isle of Wight
  • That evening the course and all its unique features will be released, followed by dinner, strategising and a key note speech from Sir Robin

  • Sunday is game day, the Knox-Johnston Cup race itself.
  • Breakfast on board and out to an early start at a start line off Cowes.
  • Three Legs of racing with a mix of first past the post and time trials using a high points scoring system.
  • Add in bonus points from the Scoring Gate and Joker Card, and it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be victorious and pick up the Knox-Johnston Cup at the dockside prize giving back in Gosport.

What’s Included

This event includes the following items. If you would like further clarity on event inclusions please contact us.

  • Entry into the Knox-Johnston Cup on a Clipper race yacht
  • 2 days on the water big boat experience
  • Musto Technical team top to keep, and use of Musto BR2 offshore jacket and salopettes
  • Food and drinks whilst on board, plus the additional hospitality events outlined in the itinerary
  • Professional Race Skipper, First and Second Mates, berthing and insurance
  • All on board safety equipment including lifejacket

Who Can Enter

In order to take part in some sailing race events additional training and qualification events may need to be completed. Please make sure you meet the criteria listed within this section or contact the team for further information.

  • The Knox-Johnston Cup is open to all over 18’s.
  • Previous sailing experience is not required.
  • This event is open to individuals, corporate teams, Clipper Race alumni and supporters or teams of friends looking for an unforgettable experience.
  • No discounts or rewards can be used in conjunction with this event.
  • Individual or team entries welcome (Teams are made up a minimum of 6 people and a maximum of 12)