COUNCIL chiefs could be set to bid to bring the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race back to Oban in two years’ time.
The event visited the town in July, with Argyll and Bute Council’s leader describing it as “an immense honour” for the area.
Councillors are now being invited to consider a proposal for the race to return to Oban in 2026, with private sponsorship to be sought by officers.
A report on the proposal will go before the full council at its meeting on Thursday, September 26.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “If the council agrees to the bid, officers will work to raise private sponsorship, where possible.
“Event Scotland, which was a previous funder, has requested a detailed feedback report from Argyll and Bute Council on the economic and cultural benefits derived from the 2024 event.
“At present the council is awaiting any commentary from Event Scotland on the content of this report which will be shared with members in due course. Such a report will be beneficial should the council approach Event Scotland for further funding in the future.
“Despite tough news competition from the likes of the general election, Euro 2024, Wimbledon, The Scottish Open, and The Open, our PR activity generated over 175 items of positive media coverage, achieving millions of opportunities for people to see or hear about Oban as a world-class sailing destination as it made history as the first Scottish host of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
“Many of these media outlets shared the news across social media including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.”
She added: “The specially designed offer for the Clipper Race crew immersed them in the local culture with walking tours around Oban and visits to Dunollie Castle, trip to Lismore and whisky tastings at Oban Distillery, Gaelic lessons and Scottish music, shinty taster session and more. General feedback shows that the guests were smitten by the hospitality and were keen to come back.
“As a transport hub connecting our islands with the mainland of the West Coast of Scotland Oban was an excellent base for the guests to explore wider Argyll.
“Over 252 crew and officials, with 600 family and friends got the chance to explore the town and surrounding areas of Argyll during 10-day of the Festival of the Sea.
“The economic and culture benefits derived from the 2024 event will be shared with elected members in due course.”
Council leader Jim Lynch (SNP, Oban South and the Isles) remarked in a separate report: “This was an immense honour for Argyll and Bute, to become the first ever Scottish home port in this amazing global challenge.
“I was in Oban on the first day the Clipper crews were in town, and the buzz and excitement already was incredible.
“On July 16, I joined others from the council to attend the Clipper awards ceremony in the Corran Halls. This was standing room only as the Clipper crews, their family and friends had the opportunity to come together and celebrate the crews’ amazing feats of endurance and sportsmanship.
“There was a wide range of events and activities on offer during Clipper’s visit and, while I chose to stay on dry land, I know that those who did take up the opportunity to tour and sail on the spectacular Clipper yachts, really enjoyed the experience.”
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