Spectators and fans were treated to a stunning display in Oban Bay on Sunday as the Clipper Race set sail for the finale of its epic globe-trotting race.

Onlookers were able to soak up the festival atmosphere as the 200-strong crew of the international race paraded through Obans streets to North Pier Marina in a fitting end to what has been a fantastic week of celebrations for Scotland's first-ever international offshore yacht race. 

With fitting pomp and ceremony and a warm highland send-off, the teams dazzled the crowds with a parade of sail through the bay before getting down to business and beginning the final leg of their incredible journey with the race commencing at Dunstaffnage Marina.

Oban was filled with a jubilant atmosphere as thousands faithfully turned out to cheer on the teams and wave a fond farewell to what has been a fantastic week of sport and celebration within Oban.

A globe-trotting race featuring a vast international cast, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race brings with it considerable global attention, prestige and no small amount of fanfare. This is the first time that an international offshore yacht race has come to Scotland and represents a significant opportunity to elevate Scottish status within the global sailing community whilst also providing sporting fans with a unique opportunity chance to the spectacle first-hand.

GRM Managing Director Gordon Ritchie spoke of his delight in seeing the race come to fruition, “It has been a long hard road in getting to this point but we are delighted to have brought the Clipper Race to Scotland.

"The event has been a massive boost to the community and will help put Scotland on the map for international offshore yacht racing.”

The economic impact of the event in Scotland should also not be underestimated. In its previous host port of Londonderry, Northern Ireland the event created £11.1m in total event impact attracting an estimated 220,000 spectators during its week-long festival. This is a major coup for Scottish sport and can be attributed to the efforts of GRM Marketing in supporting and promoting Scottish interests on the international stage. The agency has been pivotal in bringing the global event to Scottish shores, from identifying suitable locations, bringing together the key parties and negotiating the deal to bring the event to fruition.

Indeed, this event is the culmination of over two decades of work from within the marine industry by GRM, who have succeeded in bringing the event to ‘The Gateway to the Isles’ this summer. The team have worked closely with the Clipper Race for a number of years, from supporting Scottish Whisky brands Ben Romach and Old Pultney in their sponsorship to managing the ‘05/06 Glasgow team entry and their promotion of the city which significantly led to the award of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.