Colorful sails of the Clipper Fleet in view, the Global Tides Embassy Appreciation Reception celebrated Washington’s international community and the Clipper Round the World Race send-off on June 22.
Diplomats, embassy representatives and cultural organizations gathered at The Wharf in Washington, DC, one of 14 host cities on the race’s global route. Hosted by EventsDC at Limani Restaurant, the reception truly brought together the international community.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race features more than 700 sailors from over 40 countries and covers 40,000 nautical miles across six oceans. Though it is open to everyone, this challenge is not for the faint of heart. It is a test of endurance that proves ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things.
The adventure began in August 2025 in Portsmouth, England, and has since made stops in Punta del Este, Uruguay; Cape Town, South Africa; and the Panama Canal, before it returns to Portsmouth next month. The stop in Washington is the Fleet’s only US East Coast tour.
“It takes about every two years to bring this event back. But there’s more every day and every hour, since it sends us an opportunity before the fleet gets here, to really have Washington, DC and Events DC at each of the normal stops,” said Angie Gates, EventsDC’s president and CEO.
Despite two years of planning, it is impossible to anticipate every situation that might arise during the event.
A thunderstorm set the backdrop of the 2026 reception, sending gusts of wind and rain down on guests and the Clipper Race crew. For some, this might be a challenge to pulling off a successful event, but not for Gates and the EventsDC staff.
“On site, you never really know what could pop up or what could happen. So as much as you plan for the event, you just have to be able to put it in times when the event is actually happening,” said EventsDC Event Manager Gabrielle Hobbs.
“They still go on as normal, rain, sleet, snow, shine. They’re still going to operate because they’ve been through so many other weather elements, such as this one, so they’re prepared.”
Gates cited Murphy’s Law and offered her perspective on the challenges of event planning.
“You can’t control the weather. But that doesn’t mean you stop. You know, as long as it’s safe, that’s what matters the most. And as long as you are surrounded by people, and contacts, and expressions of love and elevation, you push through it. But there’s no such thing as obstacles. They’re all opportunities.”
In addition to the departure of the Clipper Fleet, which heads to its next stop in Oban, Scotland, guests had the opportunity to immerse themselves in cultural performances throughout the event. One performance showcased the iconic Candombe, an Afro-Uruguayan dance and musical tradition that brought Uruguayan musicians and dancers to the American heartland.
“It is a dream come true to be here, in Washington DC, representing our culture with pride and respect to the world,” said Uruguayan Tourism Minister Pablo Menoni.
“So if you like it, you must come to Uruguay to go and move deeper. Candombe is the most authentic expression of our African group and heritage.”
During the performance, attendees enjoyed the rhythm of the drums and the dancers’ infectious joy.
“The presentation was like a vibrant energy that transformed the Limani Restaurant into a multicultural celebration. I didn’t even think about it; I just danced,” said Sonya Williams-Barnes, state director of the Southern Poverty Law Center in Mississippi.
Many features of the event created a lively atmosphere—the fresh seafood, the view of the Potomac River, and memorable performances—but the most important part was the connections made among guests.
Servace Maryse Dabou, press and communications officer at the Embassy of Burkina Faso, said this was what he loved most about attending EventsDC gatherings.
“You don’t know what kind of relationship will find you in three years, three months, etc. So whenever I look at someone new, I’ll do it with much respect and much hope, because I hope that we will be friends.”
One way Dabou does so is by looking for commonalities. He said, “whenever I meet people, I try to see ‘what do you have in common?’ Either we have something physical, either we have something theoretical, or political.”
The diplomats and other representatives exchanged professional cards, meaningful conversations and shared their country’s culture with one another.
Ropafadzo Dunira, minister counsellor for tourism at the Embassy of Zimbabwe, said she wanted everyone to know that her country is a place of “rich culture, beautiful beaches, but most importantly, joyful people.”
Gates finds this to be her favorite part of her role as president and CEO.
“It’s great to see an opportunity to learn new cultures, new experiences, and an opportunity to change people’s lives for the better.”
More than 80 embassies attended the event, including the ambassadors from Kosovo, Madagascar, Moldova, Montenegro and Uruguay.
All photos courtesy of EventsDC.
