Hambledon Wine Estate Named Official Celebration Partner of the Clipper 2025-26 Race
Hambledon Wine Estate, the birthplace of English Wine, is proud to be named the Official Celebration Partner of the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race.
This partnership sees Hambledon Wine Estate join forces with one of the world’s most celebrated and inclusive sporting events, renowned for embracing participants from all walks of life and pushing the mental and physical limits of every competitor. As the Official Celebration Partner, Hambledon will play a key role in commemorating the race’s pivotal moments with its exceptional sparkling wines.
Crafted with vibrant acidity and distinctive saline notes, thanks to the estate’s proximity to the south coast, Hambledon wines will help create unforgettable celebratory experiences at each stopover, enhancing the race’s journey with every toast along the way.
The Clipper Race, now in its 14th edition, is an endurance challenge like no other. The event will see the world's largest matched fleet of 70ft ocean racing yachts embark on a 40,000 nautical mile race around the globe, completing eight legs and crossing six of the world’s most formidable oceans.
With stopovers across the globe, including Spain, Uruguay, South Africa, Australia, China, South Korea, USA, Panama, and Scotland, some of which are key markets for Hambledon, the race will engage with spectators at each port of call, bringing the excitement of ocean racing to audiences around the world.
The launch will begin a few miles south of Hambledon Wine Estate at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, Hampshire on 29 August 2025, with celebrations continuing through until 31 August, before the fleet departs for its journey.
“Hambledon Wine Estate is thrilled to partner with the Clipper Race on this extraordinary global journey,” said Managing Director, James Osborn. “Hambledon and the Clipper Race share a pioneering spirit - our founder, Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones, planted England’s first commercial vineyard, just as Sir Robin Knox-Johnston changed history sailing solo around the world. That ambition, resilience and drive for excellence is at the heart of our partnership. As crews learn new skills, overcome challenges, and create lifelong memories, we’ll be there to celebrate every moment, big or small, from the start line in Portsmouth to the final leg of this remarkable adventure next summer.”
Throughout the race, Hambledon Wine Estate will provide bottles of its renowned Classic Cuvée at key moments of celebration, including boat naming ceremonies and Prize-giving celebrations at each stopover port. Additional activations include a VIP launch dinner at Hambledon the night before the race starts, welcoming crews at the Estate for vineyard tours and tastings and the creation of a special edition Clipper Race-branded label for retail at Hambledon’s newly opened Cellar Door shop, as well as online, and in race villages. On-site activations will also take place at select stopover ports in the UK, USA, and Asia, promoting Hambledon to global export audiences.
Clipper Race Head of Sponsorship, Kate Ashely, said: “Every moment of achievement on the Clipper Race is hard-earned and deeply personal for our crew. We’re proud to mark those milestones with something special. This partnership brings together two brands united by a pioneering ethos and adventurous spirit, and we’re especially proud to be taking an exceptional British wine to the world stage.”
With the Clipper Race offering year-round media exposure and unique brand activations across its global stopovers, Hambledon Wine Estate will have the opportunity to share its legacy and dedication to quality with millions of people worldwide.