Hyde Sails is extending its Clipper partnership to supply the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet for an eighth edition.
The latest agreement adds another chapter to a longstanding collaboration.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, founded by round the world sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, trains everyday people to race around the world.
Hyde Sails has supplied sails for the event since 2009 and for the upcoming Clipper 2025-26 Race, Hyde has redesigned its ocean-engineered sails using state-of-the-art software.
The design now incorporates precise plotting of all fixtures and fittings, with each element marked on the cloth for laser cutting.
The sailmaker’s laser cutter operates with an accuracy of 25 microns (+/- 0.0005 inches) and marks points for essential appendages such as reefing points and hank or slide positions. Previously, these measurements would have carried out by hand in post-production.
The use of production-ready design files has increased the accuracy and standardisation of the sails.
This is a true testament to the confidence put into our ocean-engineered sails.
Charlie Bird
In addition to supplying a wardrobe of eleven sails for each Clipper 70 yacht, Hyde Sails will also provide training in sail care and repair for Clipper Race crew and skippers.
Its team will also support during the event’s global stopovers to ensure each yacht’s sail inventory remains in optimal condition.
“I am delighted to be at the helm of Hyde Sails as we announce our eighth collaboration with the Clipper Race for its 2025-26 edition,” said Charlie Bird, Hyde Sails CEO.
“This is a true testament to the confidence put into our ocean-engineered sails to allow eleven teams to race around the world in matched yachts.”
And he added that the collaboration between Clipper Race and Hyde Sails promises to continue pushing the boundaries of sail technology and performance.
Greg North, head of fleet maintenance at Clipper Ventures, added: “The bespoke sail suites crafted by Hyde Sails have demonstrated remarkable durability, performance, and reliability, helping our Clipper Race yachts navigate the world’s most challenging oceans which face everything from hurricanes to calm seas.”
During the eleven-month sailing race, the yachts will make six ocean crossings, face storm force winds, tackle waves higher than two-story houses, work through searing hot and freezing cold temperatures, and witness electrical storms, waterspouts and squalls.
