LKQ Aquafax selected to supply critical components for next generation global ocean racing fleet

LKQ Aquafax has been selected by the iconic Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to supply critical components for an innovative fourth-generation global ocean racing fleet. 

As an Official Supplier the company will provide a comprehensive range of critical onboard systems for a fleet of 12 x 72 foot matched, stripped down, and fully crewed ocean racing yachts. 

Named the Clipper RX, the yacht design is an evolution of three previous generations of Clipper Race fleets and is designed to provide its crew with the ultimate race experience.  

Only the most robust high-quality components have qualified for inclusion in this remarkable ocean racer which will face some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. 

Ashley Merriman, Head of Channel – Marine, LKQ Leisure and Marine comments: “We’re extremely proud that LKQ Aquafax has been selected as an Official Supplier to support the new Clipper Race fleet. Being trusted to supply critical onboard systems for a project of this scale reflects the strength of our trade partnerships, our technical capability, and our long-standing relationship with the Clipper Ventures team.

“The new fourth-generation Clipper Race yacht is a clear evolution shaped by decades of real-world ocean racing experience. It’s a design that balances innovation with proven reliability, which is essential when yachts are operating for months at sea in some of the toughest conditions on the planet.

 “When crews are thousands of miles from shore, every onboard system must perform without compromise. Having our products specified across the new fleet highlights the importance of dependable, trade-proven components that professionals can rely on in the most demanding environments.

 “This partnership demonstrates the value of a fully integrated supply approach – combining high-quality products with technical expertise and dependable support to help keep the Clipper Race fleet operating at the highest level throughout its circumnavigation.”

LKQ Aquafax provides a comprehensive range of critical onboard systems for the new fourth-generation Clipper Race fleet, including navigation electronics, power management and distribution, and plumbing and water systems. Drawing on a portfolio of leading marine technology brands, LKQ Aquafax is delivering high-performance, trade-trusted components engineered to perform in the extreme demands of long-distance ocean racing. Alongside product supply, the partnership provides technical expertise and system support to help ensure the fleet operates safely, efficiently and reliably throughout its global circumnavigation. 

The Clipper Race is unique in that it trains people from diverse walks of life to become competent non-professional sailors. While many take on the full circumnavigation of the globe, covering around 45,000 miles over 11 months to race between six continents. 

The Clipper RX design concept is based on 30 years’ experience of circumnavigating the globe 14 times and feedback from over 7000 crew participants. Naval architects have translated that concept into a robust, fast and seaworthy, vessel with superior safety features integrated seamlessly into a high-performance ocean racing yacht designed for the extreme conditions faced by Clipper Race crew in this unique biennial ocean race around the planet. 

The new design project has been led and coordinated by yachting legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69) who established the race operating company Clipper Ventures in 1995 and is now its chairman together with co-founder and CEO William Ward OBE.  

Sir Robin states: “The Clipper RX design benefits from everything we’ve learned. It will provide a safe yet exhilarating experience for the crews who take on this unrivalled adventure. 

“We operate stringent quality standards and the critical components we’ve selected reflect our confidence in their ability to perform in the extreme environments our crews face.”

Clipper Ventures CEO, William Ward OBE, adds: “I am very proud to see what we’ve achieved over the last 30 years to take the company from strength to strength, The experience we’ve amassed is exceptional and has been applied to this major investment in a new fleet that will take us through our fourth decade.”

The hulls of the 12-strong fleet are being built at a shipyard in Qingdao, China, and will start to be shipped to the UK later this year. They are anticipated to enter service for the 15th edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race starting late summer 2027. 

The 14th edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is currently on stopover in Airlie Beach in The Whitsundays, Queensland, before starting Leg 5 – The Asia-Pacific Challenge to Qingdao in China, where the new Clipper RX fleet and current Clipper 70 hulls are manufactured. 

The Clipper Race will be presenting details of the Clipper RX in public for the first time when Sir Robin Knox-Johnston speaks at the world’s largest yacht and watersports show, Boot Düsseldorf 2026, in Germany, on Sunday 18 January at 14.30 CET at the Sailing Centre stage in Hall 15. Further details will be available at the Clipper Race stand C23 in Hall 15 for the duration of the show, 17-25 January 2026.