Clipper 2023-24 Race | OFFICIAL MAGAZINE | Adventure For Good

360 Endurance Challenge

The world’s largest ocean race

Align with Adventure Making an impact

Global Reach

Unique business opportunities

º

Superhuman Courage

Ultimate test for 707 crew

THE CLIPPER RACE SOUVENIR MAGAZINE

2023-24 EDITION £10 €14 $15

ADVENTURE FOR GOOD

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child.

Listen to the don’ts.

Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts.

Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me...

Anything can happen, child.

Anything can be.”

– Shel Silverstein

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WELCOME

his edition marks the 13th circumnavigation since the inception of the Clipper Race, which is especially important to me. As an adventurer, I know how stimulating and characterdeveloping a tough challenge can be. Since the first race in 1996, we have seen around 6,000 international crew transform into ocean racers.

Some have gone on from being a crew member to becoming a First Mate on board and now, in this edition, Race Skipper. That’s testimony to our exceptional training, their hard work and sheer tenacity.

Although I am a little older than when I first started to race, I still love to have new adventures and I remain close to the action.

By taking on Mother Nature’s toughest – and sometimes unexpected – conditions, we widen our horizons and stay curious. Many Alumni crew have followed in my footsteps, sailing to the high latitudes in our most recent expedition, SKIRR Adventures. Others join us regularly for iconic racing events, which really put the fun into big boat, offshore racing.

Connecting people with sailing has, and always shall be, a focus for me and I am working to secure an annual initiative designed to enable an individual, or group, to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Hopefully, this can support the development of personal skills, education or career path through the expertise and opportunities provided within Clipper Ventures.

As champions of Adventure For Good, both myself and business partner, William Ward, believe in pushing forward to achieve long-term, sustainable solutions to the challenges we face.

The baton for bringing this to life has rightly been passed to our joint Clipper Race Managing Directors, Laura Ayres and Chris Rushton. But as Clipper Ventures President and Founder of the Clipper Race, I shall always enjoy waving off a team as they embark on the challenge ahead, and then see the crew return with that special bond that only true adventurers discover when facing adversity and witnessing the awesomeness of the ocean.

I hope that their personal endeavour in this race edition is not the end of their long-lived plans and preparation, but just the beginning. l

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“I enjoy seeing a crew return with that special bond only true adventurers discover” - Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

On 40% of the route the fleet is closer to the International Space Station than inhabited land

Clipper Ventures operates the two largest matched fleet of racing yachts in the world

Equator crossings

race fleet legends Clipper 60 (1996 - 2003) Clipper 68 (2005 - 2012) Clipper 70 (2013 - current)

Great Capes

71 LEG 8 – 4,155nm

At the end of this edition, they will each have raced 9 times, the circumference of the globe (370,400 km)

----------------- LEG 7 ---- – 6 -------,190 ---nm -----

-- m -0 n -- 5 6,9--6– G -E L ---

Each has raced a minimum of 160,000nm (296,320km) so far

North America

18%

South America

14

UK

Europe

35%

27%

3%

Africa

Other nations

Australasia

6%

4%

2%

40+

languages spoken

55

nationalities by citizenship

350+

careers in the crew

LEG 5 –5,160nm

Racing speed of 30 knots or 56 kph

11

5%

---------------------------------------------------------------

Clipper 70 yachts

// NATIONS REPRESENTED

Asia

-

8

--

----

legs

60

-----

---------------------------------------------------

- - -----

6 +

6

1

2

2

3

ocean crossings

continents

International Date Line

Host Ports hours of racing daily for 230 days

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THE RACE IN NUMBERS

How the stats stack up on one of the world’s great yachting events

231 maximum number of Race Crew on each of the eight legs

18+ RACE ROUTE - 40,760 nm

LEG 1 – 6,50

100 circumnavigators

30+

--------------------------------------------0nm ----

- ----

---

From 22 nations 21% female

----

70+ 40+

--

------

13% 14% 19% 54%

-- 3 -- – 4,7 -- 50 -

----

competing on 3 or more legs circumnavigators competing on 2 legs competing in 1 leg

-- LEG

78% sailing experience

Average 64 crew in each team with 9 circumnavigators

m

no previous sailing experience 22%

nm -----------------,5 5 5 – 3 ------G2 --LE ---

------

Maximum 21 crew on each yacht with 2 professionals

33% under 40 22% are 60+ countries feature news on the Clipper Race 3,500 news outlets report on the Clipper Race worldwide

220,000 social media followers

15,600 track the Clipper Race Viewer daily

---------------------------------------------------------------LEG 4 –3,495m

35 Partner brands align with adventure

50+

28+ days of rigorous training over four stages before competing

CLIPPER RACE SOUVENIR MAGAZINE Editor KATHARINE SCHÄFLI Deputy Editor KARLA GRAVES Contributors Danielle Wickham, Tina Newton, Natalie Hill Karla Graves, Katharine Schäfli Design Louise Dutton, Gillian Maher Sub Editors Chris Wiltshire, Tin Walker Photography Clipper Race, Matt Dickens, Brian Carlin, Shaun Roster, Jason Bye THANKS TO THE CLIPPER RACE CREW FOR HELPING TO CAPTURE THE ADVENTURE BECOME PART OF THE STORY Clipperroundtheworld.com clipperoundtheworld @ClipperRace @ClipperRTW Content is correct at the time of going to production. Every effort is made to ensure information is accurate. We apologize if information has been omitted or is listed incorrectly.

Times, dates and venues may change.

This is racing and the weather plays a part!

Published by Clipper Ventures plc. Clipper Ventures Plc, Granary and Bakery Building,

Royal Clarence Yard, Weevil Lane, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1FX, United Kingdom Printed by Belmont Press Ltd., Sheaf Close, Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, Northampton NN5 7UZ, United Kingdom

Please recycle this magazine. It has been produced on paper certified under the FSC system helping to ensure our forests are alive for generations to come.

FSC: C015185

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United by the desire for adventure, ambition, and sailing excellence, Clipper Ventures brands enable extraordinary personal experiences by making them accessible and achievable

Tasked with leading a diverse team of adventure-seekers around the world, the role of a Clipper Race Skipper is one of the most demanding leadership positions out there

DRIVEN BY ADVENTURE

THE TOUGHEST JOB IN THE WORLD

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From changing careers to making change for good, the Clipper Race is a truly unique platform that changes lives

Clipper Events offers thrilling opportunities to get out on the water for iconic races and team building in a unique environment

CONTENTS

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ADVENTURE FOR GOOD

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DESTINATION ADVENTURE

Find out more about the Host Ports the teams will sail into as they experience 14 places in ten countries across six continents

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THE SIX OCEAN CROSSINGS

Clipper Race Director Mark Light outlines what Race Crew can expect as the circumnavigation unfolds across six ocean crossings

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WE BUILD EXPERIENCES

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SEVEN WONDERS OF THE OCEAN WORLD

Mother Nature is more than just harsh conditions – crew witness her beauty too

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WORLD CLASS TRAINING

Your four stage route to getting shipshape for a thrilling adventure

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BEHIND THE LENS

DRIVEN TO SUCCEED

New crew members reveal the reasons why they have taken up the challenge to compete

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How On Board Reporters capture the essence of the Clipper Race

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RACING TO GREATNESS

MEET THE TEAMS

Who are the 707 crew members taking part in The Race of Their Lives?

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SIR ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSTON

The challenge of the Clipper Race has uplifted the lives of crew and organisers, building confidence and inspiring people to achieve, says Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

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Nikki Henderson shares her insight of being a Race Skipper and how it has helped break down barriers in a maledominated sport

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THE CHIEF SUPPORT

360º discovers the role friends and family play in boosting the morale of Race Crew, and why that makes them an important part of the Clipper Race family

DRIVEN BY ADVENTURE

United by the desire for adventure, ambition, limitless boundaries and sailing excellence, Clipper Ventures brands enable extraordinary personal experiences by making them accessible and achievable.

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fter over a quarter of a century building a company based on the idea of making ocean racing a possibility for non-professionals, Sir Robin KnoxJohnston and William Ward OBE, have stepped away from the day to day running of Clipper Ventures. They handed the helm of their successful and inspiring adventure business to Laura Ayres and Chris Rushton, both now its joint Managing Directors, with William and Robin taking up the respective Board roles of Executive Chairman and President.

Giving this opportunity to Ayres and Rushton who have a wealth of industry experience shows the entrepreneurial ambition on which the brand was first founded. In recent years the pair, while in previous roles within Clipper Ventures, had led on ambitious projects to grow existing pillars such as Clipper Events – seeing a 29% year on year growth in the first year of its relaunch and also have developed new opportunities such as SKIRR Adventures. Says Laura Ayres: “Taking the entrepreneurial mindset of our Founders, we have been tasked to develop Clipper Ventures to ensure we continue to evolve within our industry and explore new opportunities. The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind and has successfully completed twelve editions spanning 27 years. Together, Sir Robin and William came up with a unique concept that has outlasted competitors and remains relevant and thriving today.

“As a partnership, Chris and I have already shown that this legacy is being protected, but we also have firm plans to develop new ways to make adventure accessible to an even wider audience and create an impact within the communities we engage with.

Such measures will ensure long-term growth and company integrity. We are also ensuring that our business pillars have a holistic mindset so that we enable an integrated pathway for our customers. This could be a Clipper Race crew member circumnavigating the globe and then changing career tack by undertaking professional sailing qualifications at Hamble School of Yachting. From both a leisure pursuit and career development point of view – our ecosystem of brands can create endless opportunity.”

Connecting people with adventure At its core, Clipper Ventures is about people powered by their own determination and courage, and its global network of stakeholders share these values too. Clipper Ventures’ brands centre around adventure and

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breaking out of comfort zones to embrace the unknown. The flagship event is the Clipper Race but the ecosystem of complementary business pillars, from Hamble School of Yachting (HSY) to Clipper China, SKIRR Adventures to Clipper Events are also a gateway to adventure. All of these brands have adventure at their heart with the core value of accessibility. Whether it’s signing up to an introductory sailing course or an expedition from Iceland to Greenland – the company aims to continue to broaden the reach of sailing but has the potential to traverse into new areas.

“The Clipper Race has changed people’s lives.” says Chris Rushton.

“Not only in introducing thousands of people to the sport of sailing, but what people might not realise is that participating in such an event is a catalyst for change within both their personal and professional spheres. A new sense of confidence is instilled in our Race Crew, and it’s more than just about sailing. Crew are taking the empowerment born from these new skills of leadership, empathy, and problem-solving, and using them in life – in the workplace or their individual communities. It starts as a ripple effect but can create tidal change.”

Making an impact and connecting communities The Clipper Race, by its very nature, sees first-hand the detrimental impact the modern world has on the world’s oceans and its marine life.

Therefore, as a responsible business, Clipper Ventures is committed to treading the globe with a minimal footprint, helping to improve our planet’s health and investing in a sustainable future.

The company has a commercial responsibility to all stakeholders to operate efficiently, with a shared

“Our meaningful partnerships offer tangible opportunities to communities around the globe.”

- Laura Ayres

desire to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of Responsible Production and Consumption (doing more and better with less), Climate Action (the action needed to combat climate change and its impacts) and Life Below Water (the protection of our oceans).

As a responsible business, with the oceans at the heart of its very existence, Clipper Ventures is committed to operating with a minimal impact on the environment.

On the Clipper 2023-24 Race, hydro-generators have been fitted across the fleet. Building on the work of environmental projects on past editions, and in partnership with Ocean-Ops and on behalf of the Met Office, NOC, NOAA and other global research centres, climate data devices will be deployed throughout the circumnavigation – collating

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precious weather and oceanographic data from the remote areas that the Clipper 70s race.

Clipper Ventures involves the communities in which its events visit.

On the Clipper 2019-20 Race, crew enabled yacht tours for 2,634 school children and 15,484 yacht tours overall for members of the public on its global race route. In 2022 alone, Clipper Ventures provided access to sailing participation and education for up to 4,900 people representing 7% growth in participation, with approximately 40% having never sailed before.

Ambassador Crew programmes offered opportunities to local individuals to train as offshore sailors and compete in the Clipper Race.

Says Laura Ayres: “Our meaningful partnerships offer tangible opportunities to communities around the globe. We hope visitors to our Fan Zones leave feeling inspired to maybe try out sailing for the first time, or from meeting our courageous Race Crew, feel they have the courage to go out and achieve something they’ve been holding back from.”

As the business has grown, safety has remained as the crucial fundamental principle of all operations. Clipper Ventures has a wealth of experience in its field within its management team and works closely with and is supported by seafaring professionals and experts in the maritime industry.

Safety will always be the primary concern for the company. No shortcuts are made, and Clipper Ventures constantly strives to improve and develop its Training, Standard Operating Procedures, and essential safety equipment. The standards of training, equipment, seamanship and safety culture are of the highest order and surpass many other maritime organisations. There are numerous occasions of decisions

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taken and safety developments made that are far and above what is required by the industry.

Says Chris: “Clipper Ventures ensures the safety, security and wellbeing of all its participants and staff. Using Clipper Race Training as an example, it is bespoke to our event. The business has 27 years of experience and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to not only sail, but race, around the world. Therefore, our rigorous training programme, which all crew must pass, has been honed to prepare participants for all eventualities that might be faced whilst ocean racing. This is carried out on a matched fleet of yachts that are designed specifically for the purpose of both training and racing around the world.”

The empowerment that Sir Robin and William have given to their Managing Directors does not stop at the top. The team behind Clipper Ventures has an inherent passion for the events and training they run. This shows in the long length of service of staff (20% have worked for the company for over 10 years). The team is employed on merit without bias and individuals at all levels are encouraged to innovate and own their ideas – and know they have a voice. This results in a team that is inspired and highly skilled to deliver the adventure participants set out to achieve.

Laura concludes: “Our business is at a transition stage. Yes, we’re a sailing brand currently – it’s what our legacy has been built on – but the foundation is the spirit of adventure.

And our future growth will be as an adventure brand. Sailing will still very much be our heart but we are confident our core values of ambition, integrity, diversity and collaboration and of course, adventure, can travel beyond this.” l

CLIPPER CONNECT

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Diverse groups are brought together to create change he Clipper Connect Business Series, an initiative closely tied to the world-renowned Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, transcends conventional networking events by infusing sustainability, global business insights, and real-world connections. This series has emerged as a dynamic platform that not only fosters business growth but also champions

sustainability and international collaboration.

The Clipper Connect Business Series (CCBS) runs throughout the Clipper Race at its stopovers to bring together diverse groups of people. Introducing leading businesses and government bodies to the Race Crew and Partners, the events inspire courageous leadership and build a global community of like-minded people.

Says Clipper Ventures Managing Director,

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Laura Ayres: “In a world where sustainability, global collaboration, and practical insights are essential for business success, the Clipper Connect Business Series stands out as an invaluable platform. It bridges the gap between theory and action, forging connections that lead to a more sustainable, interconnected, and prosperous business landscape.”

Since the first Clipper Race in 1996, a combined audience of more than 3,300 has taken part in a CCBS event, supported by over 200 Race Partners who understand the courage it takes to participate in this unique challenge.

Each event has a unique theme relevant to either the location that the race is visiting or a current global conversation. Previous topics have included; The correlation between female leaders in sport and business; the trillion dollar sports tourism market and global connectivity.

On the 2019-20 edition, the Clipper Race hosted Clipper Connect Business Series: The Oceans are our Future, in association with the Seattle Sports Commission and Port of Seattle to discuss corporate sustainability and the importance of ocean health. One of the speakers was Hannah Brewis, who was the First Mate on board the Seattle team entry (now a Race Skipper). She spoke about her team seeing first hand the waste that is floating in the ocean, miles from land, with Seattle sharing a log of what they saw.

Also on the panel was Dr Erin Meyer, the Director of Conservation Programs and Partnerships for Seattle Aquarium. Says Dr Meyer: “In my daily work, I don’t get out on the water very often. It’s amazing hearing Hannah [Brewis] reflect on her experiences at sea and seeing trash floating in the North Pacific, asking her crew to document it, this gives me hope. She is leaning in, and learning about the impacts of marine debris on the ocean, but also inspiring others to connect with these problems and find solutions. I can’t wait to talk with her more.”

The CCBS panel, made up of industry experts from Seattle, was a lineup of all women leaders.

“As an all female panel, a rare moment, it’s wonderful! To have representation for future generations and future leaders, it’s so important.

I have a daughter and for her to watch events like this and see women leaning into the work they do is fantastic!” Dr Meyer remarked. l

//THE FACTS Clipper Connect aims to expand on this unique learned knowledge by: l Building a global community that inspires courageous leadership l Supporting networking and encouraging idea sharing l Providing platform for people to build their own personal and

professional network

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© Unicef/Llaurado

As the Clipper Race Crew rise to the challenge of an endurance race across the oceans, children around the world need our support to overcome an even more dangerous global challenge.

Climate change represents an on-going emergency for children. Rising malnutrition, scarce water supplies, increasing disease, and more frequent and severe storms, droughts and floods put children’s futures at risk.

Unicef and the Clipper Race are working together to protect children and young people, everywhere. We work tirelessly to make sure that children like Mara have access to basic services and resources such as clean, safe drinking water. With your help, more children will survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.

Please help us to make a lasting difference for children around the world.

Sign up to fundraise

PLEASE HELP US BUILD A SAFER WORLD FOR EVERY CHILD 0300 330 5580 UNICEF.ORG.UK

Registered Charity no.

1072612 (England and Wales), SC043677 (Scotland)

ADVENTURE FOR GOOD N

ot only does the Clipper Race enable people from all walks of life and around the world to experience something extraordinary, but it changes the lives of both the intrepid Race Crew and the communities that they visit. From changing careers to making change for good, the Clipper Race is a truly unique platform.

Advocates of adventure On each edition, a handful of individuals are selected to represent a particular destination,

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organisation or cause as they race across the world’s oceans as part of an Ambassador scheme. In the previous edition, almost 60 Ambassadors were selected to join the Clipper Race and experience the thrill of ocean racing.

From introducing their fellow crew mates to a new culture, to promoting a destination, Clipper Race Ambassadors challenge themselves, learn a new sport and do something remarkable.

A number of these advocates have continued to sail or even embark on a professional career in sailing.

Zheng Yi, known as Frankie – Circumnavigator

and Qingdao Ambassador on the 2019-20 edition – said: “The Clipper Race was a milestone and turning point in my life, it is a life-changing game.”

Dario Rodriguez, Punta del Este Ambassador on Legs 1 and 8 of the same edition, added: “Being an ambassador gave me an opportunity to represent the Yacht Club Punta del Este, help the club’s sailing profile and bring the spirit to an international race.

When you represent a kind of family, it is a great honour and something that really moves you. You really want to be on the podium all the time!”

A life-changing opportunity Ambassador schemes also offer the opportunity to change people’s lives. In the Clipper 2023-24 Race, eight young people from Durban have the chance to face an extraordinary challenge and change their lives for good thanks to Dare To Lead and Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation. Our Isles and Oceans, a UK-based Team Partner on the 2023-24 edition, will provide a further six spaces for young people affected by the impact of the global pandemic – enabling each of them to sail as Clipper Race crew for a leg of the race.

Pathway of professional development “The race made me really evaluate my priorities. It wasn’t until a few months after the race that I realised ‘wow, I really like the offshore racing world’, and I miss it – this is what I need to keep doing,” said Ineke van der

Zheng Yi (Frankie)

Steve Westwood Weijden. When she stepped on board a Clipper 70 as Race Crew back in 2017, the International Consultant had no intention of becoming a professional skipper. Fast forward a few years, and Ineke has more than 70,000nm logged and a circumnavigation ahead as a Race Skipper on the 2023-24 edition.

Similarly, Steve Westwood traded the sky for the ocean when he changed course from a Coventry-based airline pilot to First Mate, having raced on the 2019-20 edition as crew, and going on to teach at Hamble School of Yachting and on Clipper Race Training.

Ineke and Steve’s stories are not

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Clipper 2019-20 Race AQPs who are now Race Skippers

Ambassadors selected to race on the Clipper 2023-24 Race

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anomalies. The Clipper Race may provide people with the opportunity to experience their greatest adventure, but that doesn’t necessarily end once their time as a crew member does.

Ineke and Steve are part of a growing cluster of Clipper Race crew now climbing the ladder in professional sailing or within the industry.

Dale Smyth, Deputy Race Director, said: “For committed sailors who demonstrate their skill, Clipper Ventures offers a clear sailing development pathway, from a Race Crew member to First Mate and ultimately a Skipper, either for the Clipper Race and Training or for SKIRR Adventures and Clipper Events.

“The effectiveness of this pathway in developing expert professional sailors is clear. Six of our Skippers for the upcoming edition were First Mates on the previous race, and three of the First Mates selected gained their qualifications having completed the Clipper Race as crew and stepped up to this leadership role.

“In addition, several of the professionals leading their teams around the world have come from roles as Training Skippers at the Clipper Race and through working at Hamble School of Yachting.”

Inspiring the next generation As the Clipper Race fleet docks in ports around the world, a highlight of a stopover is having the chance to allow the local community to sample a taste of life on board a Clipper 70.

In both Punta del Este, Bermuda and

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Clipper 2023-24 Race Skippers/ AQPs started off as Clipper Race Crew

Cape Town, the Clipper Race hosted numerous schools, giving more than 1,000 local school children a chance to step on board the yachts and hear stories from the intrepid Race Crew.

Throughout the course of the circumnavigation, Junior Race Crew Supporters in schools around the world are involved in a range of Clipper Race activities relating to each leg of the race, and get creative with a range of challenges from poems to videos.

Lasting legacy and community pride William Ward, Clipper Race Executive Chairman and Clipper Race Founder, said: “For us, this legacy with the city demonstrates the depth of the Clipper Race partnership platform, showcasing how a partnership can evolve and respond to a wide range of objectives. The holistic nature of

“Sailing is so much more than just a sport or pastime as it gives you experience that is as useful in the workplace as it is on board a yacht.” this venture has delivered significant local economic impact, evoked civic pride and rejuvenated a waterfront. It has also provided social and personal development opportunities through a bursary ambassador programme and put Derry~Londonderry businesses on the map with international trade delegations around the world.”

The impact of a Clipper Race stopover is far reaching. Not only does the Clipper Race put destinations on the map, but has the impact of bringing

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communities together, creating a lasting legacy and bringing huge economic benefits.

The city of Derry~Londonderry, through a decade of partnership from the Clipper Race, has seen commercial and economic success thanks to the Race Stopover and Foyle Maritime Festival, of which the Clipper Race fleet is the centrepiece. Over 700,000 visitors were drawn to the destination across five race editions, generating millions for the economy. l

# S A I L C O N N E C T E D

sena.com

#SAILCONNECTED

THE WORLD’S ULTIMATE TESTING GROUND Why sailing’s leading brands are so keen to team up with Clipper Races

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lipper Race crew face some of the most adverse weather conditions imaginable, from blistering heat in the tropics to wind speeds of more than 60 knots, freezing temperatures and phenomenal sea states.

Such conditions are the perfect testbed for product innovation in the extreme.

Over the course of several editions, Clipper Race Partners continue to put their products through their paces in the name of innovation.

Musto Producer of the world’s best technical sailing kit, Musto is using the Clipper Race as a platform to put its cutting-edge clothing to the ultimate test.

Our professional Race Skippers trialled Musto’s new HPX fabric on the previous edition, and as a result the brand has now released its industry-leading HPX Gore Tex Pro Ocean collection – a culmination of more than three years of development. Musto also created a bespoke Clipper Race range that Race Crew will wear to withstand thousands of hours working on deck in extreme conditions, with unique features to sustain long watches

in the harshest elements endured on a circumnavigation.

“These conditions are some of the toughest in the world. When you are accelerating down waves at 20 knots or more in the middle of the night, you need the best kit,” said Chris Holliman, Head of Product Management at Musto.

“For us, the opportunity with the Clipper Race is that the sailors are fully immersed in the conditions, with open cockpits and waves crashing over the deck. The prolonged exposure in the worst conditions enables us to really put the product through its paces.”

Marlow Ropes Marlow Ropes has made huge strides in sustainability and will be rigging each Clipper 70 on the 2023-24 edition with lines made from innovative, sustainably-made and recycled materials: a first for an ocean race and fleet of this size. Thanks to testing its products over the course of ten circumnavigations, Marlow has been able to push boundaries and hone its technology with the environment at the forefront. As well as eco-friendly lines, there will also be a post-race recycling programme instated.

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Spinlock

Official Lifejacket Supplier Spinlock was the first recipient of the prestigious King’s Award for Innovation in 2023.

This significant recognition is assigned to the ALTO, a waist-worn lifesaving device, primarily targeted at those in the fishing and watersports sectors.

“Real stories are always the best to understand how technology works! Crashing waves. High winds. Extreme weather. The Clipper Race is the world’s most difficult ocean challenge.”

Marcus Silveira, Global CFO, COO

Dell Global Business Development.

Dell Leading tech company Dell utilised the extreme conditions of the Clipper Race to demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of Dell Rugged’s PC product range. The laptops and tablets supplied to each yacht proved their resilience in everything that Mother Nature can serve up.

“The Rugged products are designed to deal with the most extreme environments. These Clipper Race ocean racing yachts experience conditions about as harsh as it gets, so it is a perfect environment to test these products,” said Craig Brandt, Dell Rugged Product Marketing Director.

Coppercoat For Official Antifoul Supplier, Coppercoat, a global circumnavigation was the ultimate and most effective way to test the longevity of its product.

All eleven of the Clipper 70’s hulls were painted with the non-leaching Coppercoat at the start of the 2017-18 edition; fast-forward two circumnavigations, more than 80,000nm and six years later, the hulls are still ready to take on another 40,000nm with the same

coat of antifoul. Using Coppercoat on the fleet has saved more than 170 litres of antifoul solvent from wearing away in the world’s oceans.

“As a specialist paint manufacturer we sell our product across the globe. The Clipper Race partnership is a unique opportunity to trial the product in a range of territories and in the harshest conditions,” said Jayson Kenny of Coppercoat. “What better way to achieve this showcase with one company? As a business, it is exactly what we need.”

Alex Carr, Partnership Development Director, added: “Partnering with a global yacht race not only has the benefit of reaching worldwide markets, it also offers one of the most unique settings for product research and development: the world’s oceans. Remote and unique, this is a landscape that cannot be overlooked when innovating sustainably in today’s markets.” l l Are you a brand wanting access to

a global platform and testing ground like no other? To partner with Clipper Ventures, contact partnerships@clipper-ventures.com

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ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

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Clipper Race Crew and staff support local projects to maintain healthy oceans, planting mangroves in Bermuda to help reduce coastal erosion

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cean health is fundamental to the race and integral to its crew. The Clipper Race strives to create a greater link between communities and the ocean with partnerships at the forefront to help establish a healthier ocean and planet.

During the Bermuda stopover in 2022, Race Crew and Clipper Race staff helped out at the Trunk Island - Living Classroom and Environmental Restoration Project, helping to protect the ecosystem and reduce coastal erosion, Many mangroves in Bermuda have been lost to coastal infrastructure and property development, and rising sea levels threaten the remaining population. The roots of red mangroves play a key part in strengthening coastlines against erosion, as well as serving as a nursery for juvenile reef fish and feeding areas at high tide.

“One of the newest projects is the mangrove development project, which helps with coastal erosion protection and provides safe refuge for the mangroves, which suck carbon out of the atmosphere, thus protecting our climate as fast as possible,” said Trevor Rawson, Captain for Bermuda Zoological Society.

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Beach clean-up Partners that support the Clipper Race are also dedicated to reducing their footprint on the planet: Removing plastic and damaging debris from the ocean means that a beach clean is a staple activity during a Clipper Race stopover, where Race Crew, Race Officials, Supporters, Partners and the local community come together to clear as much litter from the local shores as possible.

A highlight of the previous circumnavigation was in Seattle, where the Seattle Sports Commission and players from the OL Reign ladies soccer team donned their gloves and helped to clear Myrtle Edwards park and shoreline.

Minimal global footprint The focus of protecting our oceans continues to be at the forefront of the Clipper Race in the current edition with the mantra refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle.

The Clipper Race, by its very nature, sees firsthand the detrimental impact the modern world has on the world’s oceans and its marine life. Therefore, as a responsible business it is committed to treading the globe with a minimal footprint, helping to improve our planet’s health and investing in a sustainable future.

Clipper Ventures Managing Director, Laura Ayres said: “We have a commercial responsibility to all our stakeholders to operate efficiently, with a shared desire to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of Responsible Production and Consumption (doing more and better with less), Climate Action (the action needed to combat climate change and its impacts) and Life Below Water (the protection of our oceans).” l l Musto, the Technical Clothing Partner for the Clipper

Race, ensures that all uniforms for crew and the team are delivered with minimal plastic packaging..

Spinlock, the Official Lifejacket Supplier of the Clipper 2023-24 Race is a certified B-corp. The company has moved 80% of product manufacturing to the UK to reduce air miles, sells products without plastic packaging and employs a waste management process where all cardboard waste is turned into animal bedding.

Coppercoat, the world’s only water-based and VOC-free antifoul on the market, is designed to repel marine fouling in all waters and commonly remains effective for at least ten years, reducing the need to replace the antifoul after every race.

Opportunities: The chance to participate in citizen science and community projects is an attraction to Race Crew

26

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HOST PORTS

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race takes in some of the planet’s most iconic destinations

OBAN UNITED KINGDOM

PORTSMOUTH UNITED KINGDOM

WASHINGTON D.C.

PUERTO SHERRY SPAIN

The Clipper 2023-24 Race fleet will travel over 40,760 nautical miles and visit some of the world’s finest ports

01

LONDON // PUERTO SHERRY // PUNTA DEL ESTE 2 Races

02

6,500NM

Around 17 days

13 o C to 25 o C

13 o C to 25 o C

03 September-12-16 October 2023

THE WHITSUNDAYS // HA LONG BAY // ZHUHAI 2 Races 5,160NM Around 32 days 16 o C to 33 o C

22 January - 02-03 March 2024

1 Race 3,555NM

Around 36 days

05

PUNTA DEL ESTE // CAPE TOWN

22 October - 06-10 November 2023

06

ZHUHAI // QINGDAO // SEATTLE 2 Races 6,950NM Around 37 days 2o C to 21o C

09 March - 19-24 April 2024

Distance conversion: 1 nautical mile (NM) = 1.15 miles (mi) = 1.85 kilometre (km)

RACE ROUTE

HA LONG BAY VIET NAM

THE WHITSUNDAYS AUSTRALIA

NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA

NEWCASTLE

03

CAPE TOWN // FREMANTLE 1 Race

04

2 Races

4,750 NM

3,495NM

Around 25 days

Around 20 days

16 November - 08-13 December 2023

19 December 2023 - 16-17 January 2024

15 o C to 26 o C

07

FREMANTLE // NEWCASTLE THE WHITSUNDAYS

SEATTLE // PANAMA // WASHINGTON D.C. 2 Races 6,190 NM Around 40 days 15 o C to 32o C

02 May - 17-19 June 2024

16 o C to 32o C

08

WASHINGTON D.C. // OBAN // LONDON 2 Races 4,155NM Around 24 days 2o C to 21o C

25 June - 27 July 2024

The Great Waterfront City, full of rich maritime history and the heart of the Clipper Race, provides the perfect location for Race Start

PORTSMOUTH H

ome to the British Navy and the birthplace of the great novelist Charles Dickens, you are never too far from history when visiting Portsmouth.

Showcasing the naval heritage of the city, the Historic Dockyard is home to the iconic HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the flagship of King Henry VIII, the Mary Rose.

Step back in time by visiting Southsea Castle, which was built by King Henry VIII and the location where he watched his beloved Mary Rose sink in 1545.

Further out to sea, before you cast your gaze on the Isle of Wight, you can see the Solent Forts, which were built to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour during the Napoleonic War. With the University of Portsmouth having one of the largest international student intakes in the country, the city is bustling with diversity and culture, which is embraced by the local community, making it a friendly and welcoming place to visit.

At Race Start, the fleet will be berthed at the marina in Gunwharf Quays waterfront outlet shopping centre. Crew, supporters and fans of the Clipper Race can enjoy the stunning views of the Solent, while dining al fresco or relaxing at one of the many wine bars.l Gunwharf Quays @gunwharfquays

32

HOST PORTS

GUNWHARF QUAYS, PORTSMOUTH, UK

FANZONE: 30 AUG - 3 SEP 2023 RACE START: 3 SEP 2023 £ UTC +1hrs

HIGH: 20ºc LOW: 13ºc

UK Pound

l #loveGWQ

l gunwharf-quays.com

//EAT

Try one of the diverse local independent restaurants in bustling Southsea

//SEE

The iconic naval ships at the Historic Dockyard

//EXPLORE

Take a trip up The Spinnaker Tower and enjoy a view of the city from 100 metres high.

33

Bahía de Cádiz, the best place for competitive sailing

PUERTO SHERRY

P

uerto Sherry is a bustling tourist resort in the region of Andalucia, Spain, where you will find everything you need – accommodation, restaurants, beach clubs and all kinds of activities. Inside the tourist resort is a magnificent marina located in the heart of the Bay of Cádiz, in El Puerto de Santa María.

El Puerto de Santa María is abundant with culture, history and tradition, and the monumental legacy of the city is of incomparable variety and beauty. In El Puerto, you will find a millenary city in which the different cultures that inhabited it left their unique mark. What’s more, the Caravel Santa María was provisioned here: a vessel owned by the sailor Juan de la Cosa, a cartographer who was Columbus’s pilot in 1492, and author of the first world map in history that included the American continent.

Beach-lovers will fall in love with the 16km of coastline and sandy beaches.

Beyond the coast, this historic city offers visitors a huge legacy and incredible landscapes forming part of the Network of the Protected Areas of Andalusia.

Some 30km away from Puerto Sherry is the city of Cádiz, the ancient port city in the region of Andalucia in southwestern Spain that is home to the Spanish Navy. The port boomed in the 16th century as a base for exploration and trade. l puertosherry.com @PuertoSherry @puertosherry

34

HOST PORTS

PUERTO SHERRY, BAY OF CÁDIZ

FANZONE: 13 SEP 2023 RACE START: 15 SEP 2023

UTC +2hrs

HIGH: 25ºc LOW: 17ºc

Euro EUR

l #puertosherry

//EAT

The area is known for its incredible seafood. Try tortillitas de camarones (prawn fritters) and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew).

//SEE

The ancient port city of Cádiz, home to the Spanish Navy.

//EXPLORE

The historic La Pepa, where Spain’s first constitution was established.

35

World class food, wine and watersports amongst stunning South American scenery

PUNTA DEL ESTE L

ocated at the mouth of the River Plate where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este is one of Uruguay’s true gems. It may be known as the St Tropez of South America, but among the glitzy resorts and top-class restaurants, the city and surrounding landscape is full of natural beauty and plenty to keep the adventurers entertained.

Miles of top sandy beaches makes for a water sports fan’s paradise, whether beginner or advanced. Surfing, kitesurfing, swimming and sailing is part of the culture and way of life here, and the coastline makes for the ideal playground. Plus Brava Beach is the home to the impressive modern landmark on the Punta del Este peninsula, ‘La Mano’, a large-scale sculpture of a hand rising out of the sand.

A visit to Casapueblo, former home of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró, is a must, as well as the Fundación Pablo Atchugarry with its stunning sculpture garden, as is the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MACA). We recommend taking a boat to nearby Isla de Lobos, home to one of the largest Sea Lion colonies in the world.

Sampling the local food is one of the best things to experience in Punta: a traditional asado, Uruguayan meat cooked over a grill shared with friends, or seafood fresh from the Atlantic alongside classic cocktails, best served overlooking the sunset.

At the heart of the stopover as Host Port Partner is the historic Yacht Club Punta del Este, celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2024. .l @yachtclubpuntadeleste @yachtclubPDE

36

HOST PORTS YACHT CLUB PUNTA DEL ESTE, PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY

FANZONE: 18 OCT - 20 OCT 2023 RACE START: 22 OCT 2023

UTC -3hrs

HIGH: 19ºc LOW: 13ºc

UYU Peso

l #ycpe

l www.ycpe.org.uy

//24 HOURS IN PUNTA DEL ESTE Explore the Casapueblo workshop and museum - located on a rock facing the Atlantic, the home of artist Carlos Páez Vilaró is a must-visit.

Then, jump on a boat to Isla des Lobos to visit one of the largest sea lion colonies on the planet.

Try wine tasting at Bodega Garzón - famous for its sustainability and beautiful views.

37

A place of stunning beauty, cultural history and buzzing urban vibes

CAPE TOWN N

o stranger to hosting global sailing events, the iconic V&A Waterfront in the city of Cape Town, located at the southern tip of Africa, is once again Host Port for the Clipper 2023-2024 Race.

Home to the magnificent Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of the world, Cape Town is steeped in natural beauty and history with the Waterfront located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. The Mother City is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning biodiversity, awardwinning food and wine, and sheer variety of experiences on offer.

Berthed at the Waterfront, the Clipper Race fleet will become part of a vibrant neighbourhood that is one of the world’s leading waterfronts and country’s top tourist destinations, home to authentic local culture and exceptional experiences.

The welcoming locals will enjoy telling you how to make a potjie (stew), and what is needed for a braai (barbecue) which is a must try when visiting. l waterfront.co.za @VandAWaterfront @vandawaterfront

38

HOST PORTS

V&A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN

FANZONE: 12 NOV - 14 NOV 2023 RACE START: 16 NOV 2023

UTC +2hrs

HIGH: 25ºc LOW: 15ºc

ZAR Rand

l #vandawaterfront

//3 THINGS TO DO

l Take a trip along the False Bay coastline for whale spotting or cage dive with Great Whites at Seal Island.

l Visit the galleries and cafes in Kloof,

Loop and Bree Street and take in the cosmopolitan and buzzing atmosphere. l Drive the coastal roads to Cape

Point, hike Table Mountain and visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for some of the best views in the city.

39

Hip harbour town filled with boho cafes and breathtaking beaches

FREMANTLE F

remantle or “Freo,” as dubbed by the locals, is a sun-soaked and bustling port town on the coast of Western Australia. Whilst on the edge of WA’s capital, Perth, this eclectic town has a vibe of its own.

If you’re after a trendy brunch spot, finding the perfect flat white or sampling WA’s craft beers, Freo’s ‘Cappuccino Strip’ offers a cosmopolitan mix of eateries and bars in a buzzing atmosphere. After filling up on incredible food and a good dose of caffeine, simply wandering the streets of Fremantle is an adventure- you’ll come across buskers, street art, murals and quirky live music venues. The Fremantle Markets is also a must visit!

WA’s balmy climate and endless sunshine makes for a lifestyle very much centred on being outdoors, and there is no shortage of things to do. Take a dip at one of the idyllic beaches, head out for a sunset surf and round off the day with a picnic at the Esplanade Park or some fresh seafood at one of the many beachfront restaurants.

Don’t forget to soak up the history as well as the sun: Fremantle Prison and the Western Australian Maritime Museum and Roundhouse offer an important insight and fascinating day out. Rottnest Island makes for the perfect mini-island getawaythis nature reserve is home to sparkling clear water for snorkelling, and the largest population of adorable quokkas! l fsc.com.au/ @freosailingclub @freosailingclub @fremantle sailing club

40

HOST PORTS FREMANTLE SAILING CLUB, FREMANTLE, AUSTRALIA

FANZONE: 15 DEC - 16 DEC 2023 RACE START: 19 DEC 2023

UTC +8hrs

HIGH: 28ºc LOW: 16ºc

AUS Dollar

l #freosailingclub

//EAT

Whether it’s fish and chips washed down with craft beer, or one of the Cappucino Strip’s many alfresco restaurants, eating out in Freo is a must.

//SEE

Visit Rottnest Island for jaw-dropping beaches, epic snorkelling and super-cute quokkas.

//EXPLORE

Check out the Fremantle Arts Centre and its exhibitions and live music in a unique building.

41

The chic and cool Australian city, a two-hour drive from bustling Sydney, promises to be relaxed and warm hosts

NEWCASTLE

N

ewcastle is a bustling metropolis hosting everything from stunning beaches and street art to iconic ocean baths, cool cafés and designer hotels.

Newcastle, or ‘Newie’ as it’s affectionately known, is Australia’s second-oldest city and is located just a two-hour drive north of Sydney.

Newcastle’s biggest attractions are its beautiful beaches and harbour. But it’s the hipster-friendly population of fewer than half a million that makes Newcastle a laid-back place to visit as the crowds are sparce and the pace is slower.

The fleet will be berthed at the Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, which is less than an hour’s drive to the famous Hunter Valley Wine Country, one of the first wine regions in Australia. l visitnewcastle.com.au/ @visitnewcastle

@citynewcastle.au

42

HOST PORTS NEWCASTLE CRUISING YACHT CLUB, NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA

FANZONE: 7 JAN - 8 JAN 2024 RACE START: 10 JAN 2024

UTC +10hrs

HIGH: 29ºc LOW: 22ºc

AUS Dollar

l #ncyc

l ncyc.net.au

//EAT

Wine and dine around Beaumont St, King St, Darby St and Newcastle East: vibrant areas with a variety of international cuisine.

//SEE

Visit Newcastle Art Gallery, Cooks Hill Gallery and The Lock-Up, a creative hub that was once the Newcastle Police Station.

//EXPLORE

Lake Macquarie is the largest coastal saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere. View from the water via a kayak tour.

43

An unmatched paradise, this archipelago of tropical islands is home to perfect beaches and brimming with wildlife

THE WHITSUNDAYS A

stunning collection of 74 islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef makes up the tropical wonder that is the Whitsundays. Host Port Airlie Beach is the gateway to these beautiful islands.

The azure waters are a magnet for ocean-lovers, with a wealth of diving, snorkelling and watersports on offer on the Great Barrier Reef and the secluded beaches scattered around the islands.

Sailing is by far one of the best ways to take in the breathtaking views and find a private beach.

Airlie Beach is the starting point for exploring the iconic Heart Reef and one of the planet’s most unspoilt beachesWhitehaven. This slice of paradise is made up almost entirely of white silica sand and is just an easy day trip from Airlie Beach.

It’s not all about the ocean- the area is also famous for beautiful tropical rainforest, and you’ll find stunning waterfalls in the Conway National Park which are well worth the hike to find.

The Mt Rooper walk is worth your while: hikers will be rewarded with sweeping views across the Whitsunday Islands and beyond.

The town of Airlie Beach has plenty on offer- from vibrant markets, cool cafes and plenty of bustling bars for a sundowner or two after a day exploring. l @coralseamarina @lovewhitsundays – Tourism Whitsundays

44

HOST PORTS CORAL SEA MARINA RESORT THE WHITSUNDAYS, AUSTRALIA

FANZONE: 19 JAN - 20 JAN 2024 RACE START: 22 JAN 2024

UTC +10hrs

HIGH: 32ºc LOW: 22ºc

AUS Dollar

l #lovewhitsundays

//48 HOURS IN AIRLIE BEACH //DAY 1

Airlie is home to some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving on the UNESCO World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, where you can swim with colourful fish in crystal clear water.

//DAY 2

Grab brunch before heading to world-famous Whitehaven Beach to relax and unwind in paradise.

45

Ha Long Bay makes its bow as a Host Port with the beautiful destination, a world natural heritage site, set to delight competitors and support crew

HA LONG BAY H

a Long Bay is debuting as a Host Port for the Clipper 2023-24 Race, with the destination located in the Northeast of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh province. The Clipper Race fleet will be berthed at Ha Long Bay’s International Cruise Port, the first in Vietnam capable of accommodating the world’s largest and stateof-the art yachts. The port is located in the heart of the lively resort and tourist hub of Bai Chay and is a gateway for local and international tourists to visit Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage site recognised by UNESCO. This beautiful destination will provide an unforgettable stopover for Clipper Race crew. The bustling city has everything to offer, from exploring the many rocky islands, caves and famous beautiful beaches, to rich cultural history. l

@HalongTourismInformation @halongtourism.information

46

HOST PORTS INTERNATIONAL CRUISE PORT, HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM

FANZONE: 23 FEB - 25 FEB 2024 RACE START: 27 FEB 2024

UTC +7hrs

HIGH: 33ºc LOW: 22ºc

VND Dong

l #endlessdiscovery l #halongtourism

//EAT

With the area known for its seafood, there are plenty of local street food restaurants – Bai Chay street, Sunworld old town, Loong Toong market and Ha Long 1 market are must -visits.

//SEE

The Sun World Ha Long complex, with Dragon Park, Typhoon Park and Queen cable car, is sure to be popular among visitors.

//EXPLORE

Quang Ninh province is truly spectacular, with lush forests and mountains (Yen Tu mountain) to explore and admire.

47

The engaging Chinese ‘City of Islands’ offers a wealth of activities to pursue and some delightful mountain views, earning it deserved recognition as one of the world’s best cityscape destinations

ZHUHAI

I

t is clear to see why Zhuhai was once voted one of the happiest places in China, with its dual vistas of both stunning city coastline and spectacular mountain views. In fact, it is also the only Chinese city to be named one of the top 40 destinations for overall cityscape.

Zhuhai, nicknamed ‘The City of Islands’, is surrounded by lush greenery and home to diverse pursuits. You are never too far away from something to do. Take a drive on the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, adrenaline junkies can get their fix at the motor racing track, or for something more sedate, see a show at the impressive Zhuhai Opera House.

With its ‘Hundred Islands and Thousand Sails’, Zhuhai is highly regarded for its marine sports industry. Race Partner Jiuzhou Group Holdings is a leader in the blue marine tourism sector and supports many large-scale water sports events along its beautiful coastline. l

cityofzhuhai.com/index.html ZhuhaiForeignAffairs

48

HOST PORTS

JIUZHOU MARINA ZHUHAI, CHINA

FANZONE: 05 MAR - 07 MAR 2024 RACE START: 09 MAR 2023

UTC +8hrs

HIGH: 21ºc LOW: 16ºc

RMB Yuan

l #ZhuhaiForeignAffairs

//EAT

Zhuhai boasts an array of local dishes to try, placing it as one of the culinary hotspots in Asia.

//SEE

The Zhuhai Opera House, inspired by a Botticelli painting and shellfish from the waters of the Pearl River.

//EXPLORE

Tour the 40 scenic spots of the New Yuan Ming Palace, a replica of the Old Summer Palace in Beijing.

49

China’s sailing city has been one of the highlights of the Clipper Race route since 2006. Having been a Host Port for eight editions, the Qingdao welcome gets bigger and better each time

QINGDAO L

ocated on the Shandong Peninsula in Jiaozhou bay, Qingdao attracts millions of visitors each year who are drawn to the city by its coastal charm, vibrant food and drink scene, and picturesque sights. With so much to offer, the city is always a hit with Clipper Race crew.

Qingdao’s ideal location has seen sailing thrive as a sport and industry, with more and more people taking to the water, inspired by the city’s strong sailing history. Qingdao hosted the sailing events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games and has since run numerous international sailing events over the years.

The city is a lively destination for nightlife: there are numerous bars, restaurants, tea houses, clubs and KTVs (karaoke bars), with Lennon Bar a firm favourite. Qingdao is not only famous for Tsingtao Beer (you can visit the Tsingtao Beer Museum for a true taste of the heritage) but also for fresh seafood – we recommend the dumplings!

Qingdao was one of the first National Scenic Resorts, so there’s plenty of opportunities to savour the scenery and take the perfect photo. You can hike up to Laoshan Mountain, one of the birthplaces of Taoism, that offers unbelievable views over Qingdao and to the Yellow Sea, as well as a fascinating cultural insight if you visit one of the many temples. If you don’t fancy a hike, there are plenty of other opportunities to look out over the city, with Xiaoyushan Park and Signal Hill Park offering great vistas. l english.qingdao.gov.cn

50

HOST PORTS QINGDAO OLYMPIC SAILING CENTRE MARINA, QINGDAO, CHINA

FANZONE: 21 MAR - 23 MAR 2024 RACE START: 25 MAR 2024

HIGH: 10ºc LOW: 2ºc

UTC +8hrs

RMB Yuan

l #qingdao

l #sailingcity

//24 HOURS IN QINGDAO l Zhanqiao Bridge (the symbol of Qingdao) and May Fourth Square are must-visits, as well as Little Qingdao.

l Soak up breathtaking vistas by hiking up Laoshan Mountain, and gain an insight into Taoist culture through the many temples on the trail. l Have a walk along Zhongshan

Road, the old downtown of Qingdao, with a range of seafood to try.

51

Washington’s Emerald City offers a culinary adventure

SEATTLE

W

elcome to the ‘Emerald City’, a place rich in culture and fine dining.

Nestled in a beautiful corner of Washington state, this diverse and culture-rich city is full of some of the most innovative companies in the world, a historical music scene that uncovered world legends, and some of the best food and drink you can find.

The unrivalled natural beauty surrounding the city only adds to Seattle’s uniqueness.

With a backdrop of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, and safeguarded

by Mount Rainier, this luscious landscape rightly earns Seattle the nickname ‘Emerald City’. Just a short drive out offers plenty of routes ideal for hiking, biking, or kayaking.

Seattle is home to an impressive collection of museums. Must-visits are MoPOP for the chance to learn to play an instrument and a stroll through a Jimi Hendrix exhibition, and the Seattle Centre, where the iconic Space Needle can be seen.

Guaranteed to offer a culinary adventure, Pike Place Market is the perfect location to sample the freshest produce Seattle has to offer. Opened in 1907, Seattleites describe it as ‘Seattle in a bottle’ and is an eclectic mix of noise, smells, and personality. It’s easy to spend a day working through the 225+ local traders, enjoying the street performers and taking in views of Elliott Bay. A trip to Seattle would not be complete without a stroll down the historic waterfront where the Clipper Race fleet will be berthed at the Port of Seattle’s Bell Harbor Marina – check out the piers and stop by the Seattle Aquarium. l @SeattleSportsCommission @PortofSeattle

52

HOST PORTS

BELL HARBOR MARINA, SEATTLE

FANZONE: 28 APR - 30 APR 2024 RACE START: 2 MAY 2024

UTC -7hrs

HIGH: 14ºc LOW: 5ºc

Dollar USD

l #SeattleSportsCommission

//EAT

Visit Pike Place Market for coffee at the original Starbucks.

//SEE

Celebrate the work of local artist Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum – home to a selection of impressive 100ft glass sculptures.

//EXPLORE

Take to the stunning hiking trails or hire a kayak and explore the incredible natural scenery.

53

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PSP- LO GIS T IC S .COM

HOST PORTS

Beaches, rainforests and a historic canal – this city has it all

PANAMA

A

t just under 76,000km sq and with a population of just 3.3 million people, Panama is an important centre for international trade, a major shipping thoroughfare, and a regional economic powerhouse.

The transit of the Panama Canal will be a highlight of the circumnavigation, especially for the engineers among the Race Crew.

The history of the Panama Canal goes back to the earliest explorers, though the dream of the 80km canal – named

one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – took almost 400 years to be realised. It was opened in 1914 after 23 years of work and continues to be one of the busiest waters in the world, playing a vital role in world trade and transport linking the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

As well as learning about the remarkable canal, crews will be able to enjoy the Central American country’s natural assets – beaches, rainforests and remote villages, as well as its buzzing cities. l

55

FLAMENCO ISLAND MARINA, SHELTER BAY MARINA, PANAMA

RACE START: 5 JUN 2024 **

UTC -5hrs

HIGH: 30ºc LOW: 25ºc

l visitpanama.com ** Estimated depending on Panama Canal clearance.

PAB Balboa

Delve deeper and discover what makes the US capital really tick

WASHINGTON, DC A

newcomer to the Clipper Race circuit, this vibrant capital city is filled with character and charm.

A city where there really is something for everyone, Race Crew and visitors can expect to spend the stopover exploring a city packed full of not just the finest monuments, museums and memorials, but picturesque waterfronts and a world-renowned dining scene.

In the US capital, there’s no shortage of entertainment to be found. From outstanding shopping in Georgetown, to can’t-miss theatre shows, and outdoor playgrounds such as Rock Creek Park can all be found nestled within the city. Be sure to check out eventsdc.com for the best sports, entertainment, and cultural events taking place.

Washington, DC is steeped in American history. For a classic day out, head to the National Mall, where the iconic US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument can all be seen.

Check out Washington.org for recommendations on the fantastic selection of restaurants that can be found in every neighbourhood. The city is renowned for its diverse dining scene and is filled with culinary variety and talent; a fact proven by its annual Michelin Guide treatment.l eventsdc.com

@OfficialEventsDC @EventsDC

@TheEventsDC

56

HOST PORTS

THE WHARF, WASHINGTON D.C.

FANZONE: 21 JUN - 23 JUN 2024 RACE START: 25 JUN 2024

UTC -4hrs

HIGH: 29ºc LOW: 17ºc

Dollar USD

l #eventsdc

//3 THINGS TO DO

Grab a half smoke – the town’s signature dish. This slightly spicy sausage served on a bun has been a staple at Ben’s Chili Bowl for 65 years!

Visit one of the many neighbourhood waterfronts and cool off with a dip. Try your hand at kayaking and paddleboarding or bike along a river route Catch a baseball game at Nationals Park or a soccer match at Audi Field

57

Highlands beauty spot, dubbed the seafood capital of Scotland, offers something new

OBAN

L

ocated in the heart of the magnificent west coast of Scotland and home to superb sailing in breathtaking scenery, Oban will welcome the Clipper Race fleet following the North Atlantic crossing from the USA. A brand-new destination on the Clipper Race route map, Oban is a dazzling destination set to put on an incredible stopover in one of the UK’s most beautiful settings.

Meaning ‘little bay’ in Gaelic, Oban is a bustling West Highlands holiday town, and dubbed the ‘seafood capital of Scotland’.

Expect panoramic views over the lochs, mountains and islands, as well as awardwinning restaurants to sample fresh crab, lobster and scallops. As a traditional Highlands town, it’s worth exploring the streets to stumble on quirky shops and cosy cafes, as well as plenty of spots to sample some of the local whiskies, notably from the Oban Distillery.

History enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by Oban’s historical landmarks.

McCaig’s Tower, an iconic granite colosseum, offers panoramic views of the town and its surroundings, and Dunollie Castle is also a must visit. Argyll is known as coastline of the Gaels in Gaelic with a rich maritime heritage dating back thousands of years.

What’s more, Oban is a gateway to the Hebrides, with the islands of Mull & Iona, Lismore and Kererra a short ferry-ride away which makes for an easy day trip. The isles are truly stunning, with an abundance of wildlife, and many can be explored by foot or bike. l oban.org.uk / argyll-bute.gov.uk

loveoban / @argyllandbutecouncil loveoban_ @argyllandbute loveoban_ @argyllandbute

58

HOST PORTS

NORTH PIER, OBAN, SCOTLAND

FANZONE: 18-19 JULY 2024 RACE START: 21 JULY 2024 £ UTC +1hrs

HIGH: 18ºc LOW: 13ºc

Pound GBP

l #loveoban

//3 THINGS TO DO Head to the Oban Seafood Hut – a must-visit spot for a taste of the town’s freshest seafood The region is THE place for hiking, cycling, kayaking and wildlife watching Explore the Isles: hop on a CalMac ferry and explore the rugged natural beauty and secluded bays of the Hebrides

59

SAFETY AT SEA Enhancing safety on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race: A commitment to continuous improvement

61

F

or 360°, Clipper Race Deputy Race Director, Dale Smyth, highlights the rigorous safety approach taken by the Race Office to ensure the highest level of safety on board during the Clipper Race. Emphasising the importance of safety, the Clipper Race continues to evolve and improve its safety procedures to maintain its commitment to the wellbeing of all participants.

“Collaborating closely with Partners such as Spinlock, TimeZero, StaLok, SENA and Marlow Ropes, the Clipper Race remains at the forefront of equipment advancements and improvements. The dedication to safety remains an ongoing process, and the Race Office strives to find every possible advantage to enhance the onboard experience for all crew members.

“A significant change introduced in the most recent race edition was the addition of the First Mate or Additional Qualified Person (AQP) on each yacht to support the Skipper’s role. To facilitate improvements, the Safety Committee Meeting was established, allowing for open discussions on safety-related matters and encouraging unbiased feedback from the First Mate. The input received during these meetings has led to

remarkable changes, with each raised point being thoroughly addressed.

“In addition to the new safety measures, essential training for Race Crew takes place at each stopover. The Refresher Training includes mandatory safety tests and a Clipper Race Assessment that crew members must pass before rejoining their teams for the next leg. This assessment fosters a culture of personal responsibility for learning, ensuring all crew members are well prepared and equipped to meet safety standards.

“The Clipper Race Office is continually re-evaluating and evolving its safety procedures. One development has been the in-port safety checks. When a boat arrives in port for a stopover, the team conducts a comprehensive 500-point safety checklist within 36 hours and submits it to the Race Office. This process allows for immediate remedy of any detected defects, further strengthening onboard safety.

Dale concludes: “The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race places paramount importance on safety.

With the First Mate on board, Safety Committee Meetings, continuous training, in-port safety checks, and diligent incident reporting, I’m very proud that the race demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improving safety.” l

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“When a boat arrives in port for a stopover, the team conducts a comprehensive 500-point safety checklist”

– Dale Smyth,

Clipper Race Deputy Director

OCEAN CROSSINGS

Clipper Race Director Mark Light outlines what Race Crew can expect as the circumnavigation unfolds across six ocean crossings //OCEANS CROSSED The North Atlantic Ocean and South Atlantic Ocean, twicens LEG 1: The Atlantic Trade Winds Leg LEG 2: The South Atlantic Challenge After kicking off the circumnavigation with an impressive Parade of Sail at Portsmouth Harbour and The Solent, the first challenge will be to negotiate numerous fast-running tides around the UK and Northern France as the fleet crosses the English Channel.

The Bay of Biscay, notorious for violent storms and heavy seas, could prove challenging and teams will be eager to cross it quickly. With the adrenaline-filled start over, teams will need to settle into watch systems quickly as they look to break ahead of the pack in the five-day sprint to the first pit stop at Puerto Sherry, Spain. After a stop of a few days, the first major tactical decision of the Clipper Race awaits; teams will need to decide whether to sail to the east, west, or straight through the Canary Islands. Pick the wrong route and teams will get stuck in the lee of the land, watching the rest of the fleet accelerate towards the Cape Verde Islands.

The doldrums will be waiting to test the teams mentally and physically with unpredictable conditions, big wind holes, squalls, and high temperatures. Teams will need to decide how best to take advantage of the Doldrums Corridor race rule, which is a tactical mechanism allowing teams to motorsail through six degrees of latitude (or 360

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miles), so long as they are within the set gate and time limit.

The first Equator crossing of the race will see King Neptune pay the boats a visit and turn Pollywog crew into Shellbacks – a real highlight! Teams will then continue south to pick up the easterly trade winds, being careful not to get too close to the South American coast, and head to Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Upon leaving South America at the start of Leg 2, teams will again encounter the trade winds and the long, rolling swells as they head south towards the Roaring Forties with spinnakers flying. The asymmetric spinnaker features heavily in this leg, although crews will need to be careful not to overpower it as a blown spinnaker will compromise performance for the rest of their race.

Big tactical decisions await and everything is to play for; previous editions have seen podium places decided by just 15 minutes. Heading south before turning east will be the longer route, but may well offer more consistent wind conditions. Heading east shaves off hundreds of miles, but could leave the yachts too close to the windless centre of the St Helena High (South Atlantic High).

As the fleet ducks south, the swell will provide fantastic conditions for surfing down waves. An exhilarating leg, previous teams have reported speeds of more than 30 knots as impressive fountains of water emerge over the bow.

Mighty Table Mountain will be visible from quite some distance but the race will not be over yet. The wind shadow of Table Mountain offers one last hurdle in a race which is known to be a closely fought battle right until the very end.

//OCEANS CROSSED The South Indian Ocean LEG 3: The Roaring Forties Leg LEG 4: The Australian Coast-to-Coast Leg The third stage offers some of the most extreme and testing conditions of the entire circumnavigation, with teams dipping into the notoriously strong winds of the Roaring Forties, which lay between 40 and 50 degrees latitude. Once clear of Table Bay, which is stunning but well-known for its tricky, fickle wind patterns, crews will head for the first Great Cape, the Cape of Good Hope. It’s then on to the Agulhas Bank, an area where the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans cause very disturbed seas.

Spinnakers are likely to reappear and ocean racing tactics will be in full flow.

Teams will discover exactly what the Clipper 70s are made of as they surf downwind at more than 25 knots on some swells more than 15 metres high.

Despite the gruelling reputation that the Roaring Forties command, this is a place respected by sailors as one of the best places to fully appreciate Mother Nature in her most raw and powerful glory.

At the start of the Australian Coastto-Coast Leg the fleet will leave Fremantle and dip back down into the Roaring Forties, the most southerly point of the entire circumnavigation.

Vigilance will be key as crew experience some of the most inhospitable parts of the planet where icebergs flow north from Antarctica. Some teams may choose to head south of the rhumb line to take advantage of stronger winds, though this will add extra miles to their race and teams will need to watch for building low pressure systems

“This is respected as one of the places to appreciate Mother Nature at her most raw” heading west. Stay too high and teams risk lengthy wind holes in the Great Australian Bight.

The next stage will see teams race against the dominating East Australian Current (EAC). Speeds in the core of the EAC, the oceanic current which moves warm water down from the tropical Coral Sea, are some of the strongest in the South Pacific.

Each team will need to agree on the best race tactic; stay closer to the current where speeds are stronger or add extra miles to the race by heading further offshore. Crews will also encounter parts of the Bass Strait (nicknamed the Paddock). Known for its Jekyll and Hyde personality, the Bass Strait is renowned for its ability to serve up some very challenging conditions referred to locally as

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Southerly Busters. Luckily, the laidback beaches of Newcastle, New South Wales, well provide a wellearned stop ahead of the next race up to the tropical paradise of the Whitsundays. The Asia Pacific Leg, Leg 5, is the most fast-paced of the entire circumnavigation. Teams will be tested mentally and physically as they are faced with a host of varied conditions in the form of short sprints.

From the Whitsundays, the fleet will head north for a Le Mans start and as the temperatures begin to soar and crews reach the Equator, the breeze may drop. High levels of concentration will be needed as every tweak will affect the boat speed and a team with strong light-wind sailing skills will use this to its advantage.

The second Equator crossing will see the return of King Neptune for his second visit of the circumnavigation.

As teams cross the Equator, they are likely to witness some spectacular lightning storms and passing squalls which can offer some much-needed relief from the heat, but can bring heavy conditions with them.

Continuing north, the wind will start to build, and the teams will be looking to pull away as the fleet enters the North East Monsoon.

After a tropical stopover to remember in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, teams will kick-start the first in a series of short sprints. The pace switch-up will continue as the teams race to the first of two Chinese Host Ports on the Clipper Race circuit: Zhuhai.

//OCEANS CROSSED The North Pacific Ocean LEG 6: The Mighty Pacific Leg This race is one of extremes.

Plummeting temperatures, tough

headwinds and choppy seas will be waiting for the fleet as the teams make their way around Taiwan and head up to Qingdao. With conditions likely to be some of the more extreme of the race, due to the steep seas and head winds to the east of Taiwan, crews will be working to keep the boat racing as efficiently as possible as they cross the East China Sea. Weather conditions aside, one of the biggest challenges the teams will face during this leg is the world’s largest fishing fleet. By night, fishing boats can light up the entire horizon like a city and spotting lines or debris will require focus, vigilance and clear communication within the teams.

Finally, heavy fog and commercial shipping will challenge the crew as they head across the Yellow Sea and into Qingdao.

The Mighty Pacific Leg is referred to as ‘The Big One’ and with good reason. The North Pacific is the world’s largest ocean and at times the closest humans to the Clipper Race teams will be those

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in the International Space Station.

Before teams reach the North Pacific Ocean, they will likely have to navigate fog and fishing boats coming out of Qingdao. It is then a race to the tip of Japan, where the ‘Black Stream’ (Kuroshio Current) runs west to east. This vicious current can help propel boat speeds but can have big seas with confused waters.

Once clear, the North Pacific awaits.

Crew will face some very cold temperatures, huge waves, and dark nights. This leg is famous for the huge Pacific rollers which pick up the yachts and allow them to surf at 30 knots down into the trough ahead. It’s being out here that you can really understand the magnificent scale of our planet and our place within it.

Crossing the International Date Line by sea is a rarely achieved feat and often leads to much debate over what the date is. Once over the line, teams know they are roughly halfway to a welcome stopover in Seattle, though keeping competitive focus will be key.

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“This warm and windy race will offer up some dramatic thunder storms to keep crew busy” //OCEANS CROSSED The North Atlantic Ocean LEG 7: American Coast to Coast Leg LEG 8: The Atlantic Homecoming Leg Leg 7 sees the fleet heading south from Seattle. Thermal layers will give way to sunscreen and it will be a tactical light wind game towards the finish in Panama. The most significant strategic decision teams will face will be whether or not to gain some acceleration from the south-flowing California Current. The aid of the California Current may sound tempting, but the heating effects from land may affect winds unfavourably. As teams head south of California, light-wind sailing tactics will be crucial to staying at the front of the pack and temperatures will once again soar, making the racing intense.

Transiting the Panama Canal marks another highlight of the circumnavigation. After completing the 48 nautical mile passage of one of the most famous and impressive engineering feats in the world, watching out for basking American and Caiman Crocodiles in Gatun Lake as they go, the teams will line up for an upwind battle to Washington, DC. After crossing the Caribbean Sea, teams will take the Windward Passage between Cuba and Hispaniola, which marks the entrance to the North Atlantic.

Fickle winds are expected in this area because of depressions coming from the North American landmass. This warm and windy race will offer up some dramatic thunder

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storms. Whilst spectacular to watch, these passing depressions will keep crew busy as frequent sail changes will be required. It will be gripping for Race Viewer addicts and intense for those on board as distance can be both made and lost quickly.

The Gulf Stream will add a final challenge as the fleet skims the corner of the Bermuda Triangle.

Departing Washington, DC, taking a popular route across the North Atlantic, the fleet will follow the Great Circle on its way back over towards Europe.

Weather in the North Atlantic can be as heavy as the Pacific with swirling depressions causing high winds and big swells. Continuing east back towards Europe, some fun and fast downwind sailing is on offer in prevailing westerlies – so long as spinnakers have held up sufficiently!

Once back on UK soil, the adventure’s conclusion becomes an ever-impending reality but Oban, Scotland, offers the perfect atmosphere for crew and their supporters to start some early celebrations.

An exhilarating power sprint home to complete the adventure of a lifetime. With podium and final positions likely to be in close contention, and the possibility of some Joker points still to play, this will be an intense final fling where anything is possible. Sailing in conditions most similar to those in training weeks, but now with 40,000 nautical miles under their sailing belts, Race Crew and skippers will push hard towards the finish, where glory awaits.

Whilst it may be the end of the adventure, the memories of all that has been endured and celebrated will last forever. l

STORM WARNING Expert meteorologist Simon Rowell plays a crucial role in the Clipper Race

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he weather is often stereotyped as the go-to conversation of the British public but, for sailors, accurate forecasting, constant monitoring and discussions about the weather are a day-to-day necessity. Forecasted weather fronts, wind speeds and angles, will not only help determine the fastest route and optimal sail plan but also the safest passage.

Race Crew and followers will be familiar with Clipper Race Meteorologist and all-round weather guru, Simon Rowell. He is an integral part of the wider Clipper Race team, working with the Race Office behind the scenes to ensure the fleet has all the latest weather information not only to navigate the fastest route but to also enable the safety of the crew.

Mark Light, Clipper Race Director, said: “I have known Simon for more than 15 years. His experience and insight into not only the maritime industry and global meteorology generally, but also the Clipper Race, is without parallel. He is hugely respected within the sailing world and a true larger-than-life gent. As Clipper Race Director, I am in regular contact with Simon when

the fleet is racing across the oceans of the world, always looking at incoming weather systems, the race route and fleet progress, with the interests of the racing itself but, more importantly, the safety of all our Race Crew.”

Ahead of each edition, Simon delivers an in-depth and specific weather briefing based on the complete race route. During racing, he provides the Race Office and Race Skippers with daily weather reports and forecasts and is also a valued and long-term member of the Clipper Race Committee.

So what goes into making sure the Clipper Race fleet has the necessary weather information to race? Thanks to the AST Satellite Communications systems on board, the Skippers receive weather information daily from Simon. They use this to analyse the weather forecasts using the TimeZero navigation software to plan their best routing options and make tactical decisions over the coming days as the forecasts become more accurate.

On an average day of racing Simon said: “I get the automatic and manual yacht position updates from the Race Skippers and I plot them all on to my navigation software. I then download

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a large high resolution file and numerous satellite images of the area the fleet is in and, from that, I will extract the smaller files that I send to the fleet.

“I send the Skippers at least two GRIB files, one which gives a low resolution representation of the entire race route, so they can see what's happening big-picture wise. I will also send a more detailed higher resolution GRIB file, just for where they are going to be for the next five days.

This helps them plan their individual upcoming tactics.”

Simon added: “As the fleet goes around the world it will come under different weather forecasting agencies, from the MET Office (UK, Europe and North Atlantic) to the Brazilian Navy, Australian Bureau of Meteorology to NOAA – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US. From agencies such as these I will pick up data like synoptic charts and other useful information. I also send satellite images, so the skippers can compare what the charts, models and GRIB data says versus what they are facing in reality. Having said that, the really important thing is to always look out the window!”

Speaking about a particularly memorable forecast, Simon cites the ‘phenomenal’ sea state that Race Crew experienced on the 201718 edition in the North Pacific as particularly memorable. He said: “It’s my job to issue weather updates to the fleet, but very rarely do I issue warnings. During the 2017-18 race, the fleet experienced some of the biggest conditions in the North Pacific. The system had been building for a while but, for that day, I forecasted gusts of up to 70 knots (a hurricane is 64 knots). The waves were measured by satellites that showed a ‘phenomenal sea state’, meaning waves of more than 14 metres, which made for some pretty exciting sailing for the crew!”

Having experienced some of the most extreme weather on the planet himself during his elevenmonth circumnavigation, Simon added: “I have been working with the race in this capacity since 2011, it's really good fun.

“Every edition you get a new bunch of Race Skippers, First Mates and Race Crew to work with and there is always some good interaction both ways. And it's a whole lot easier supporting round the world from my shed in Cornwall than it is actually sailing round the world. This is a much gentler way of keeping involved.” l

//ABOUT SIMON l Professional sailor since 1997,

starting off as an instructor l He skippered the winning team

in the 2002 edition of the Clipper Race, returning as Assistant Race Director for the 2005 edition l Since 2011 he has been the

Meteorologist and Forecaster for the Clipper Race as well as the British Sailing Team since 2015 and forecasted for the Olympic Games and Paralypics in Rio de Janeiro l His other clients range from ocean

rowers to TV production companies and he has written a book about, well, you guessed it, the weather

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THE C IS FOR CHILDREN UNICEF UK, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has teamed up as Charity Partner of the Clipper Race since 2015

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he Clipper Race challenges people from around the world to come together to work as a team in a test of their ability, bravery, and courage. Therefore, safety is central to the operation of the race, which recognises and supports UNICEF UK’s work to enable children around the world to overcome the risks and challenges they face, such as hunger, disease, poverty, and natural disaster.

Safe and healthy environment Environmental factors such as drought, floods, and rising sea levels are making their situation worse. Some 450 million children live in areas with high or extremely high water vulnerability.

UNICEF helps build the resilience of water services and communities to climate shocks. The world’s leading child rights agency has climate-resilient water and sanitation programmes in 87 countries – benefiting 6.1 million people. People like Steven, age 14, from Malawi.

Steven’s story Steven lives in a village, 20 miles south

of Lilongwe, capital of Malawi. Until recently, he walked nearly four miles every morning to fetch water for his family from a shallow well, shared with livestock. The water he carried was not always clean or safe to drink.

“I used to wake up at 3am to fetch water. I was often too tired to go to school. I sometimes missed classes for a week or two, bedridden by diarrhoea,” he said. “I was ashamed because my body and clothes were dirty … washing clothes and bathing was like wasting water.”

Because of this, Steven lacked selfesteem and didn’t play with his peers at school. Steven and other children told volunteers at the UNICEF-supported Children’s Corner how the lack of clean water was affecting their lives.

“In 2021, UNICEF Malawi helped the local council to drill a deep borehole and install a solar-powered water system.” Now Steven and other children can fetch fresh running water from six taps in the village. ”I felt relieved. Now I could get to school early and concentrate on lessons,” added Steven.

Attendance at school and the Children’s Corner has shot up. Children

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arrive clean and eager to learn and play together.

UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary contributions and donations. Its life-saving work is only possible through the generosity of its fundraisers. With help from you, UNICEF can make sure more children like Steven get the support they need to grow up happy, healthy, and safe.

Every pound you raise will make a difference to every child, every day, everywhere.

// FACTS OF HOPE l Since this partnership began in 2015-16, more than £1.2 million has been raised to keep children safe

l UNICEF provides vaccines for more

than a third of the world’s children

l From 2018 to 2021, UNICEF reached

69.9 million people with access to safe drinking water l When emergency strikes, UNICEF is

on the ground to provide clean water, medicines and protection for children and their families.

// YOUR SUPPORT IN NUMBERS £95

could provide mosquito nets for 45 families. Malaria kills one child in Africa every 45 seconds.

£149

could provide a toilet to help prevent the spread of deadly diseases.

£216

could buy a Maths in a Box kit containing learning equipment and materials for teachers.

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£634

could buy a water pump to provide essential clean, safe drinking water for a whole village or school.

WE’RE DRIVEN TO SUCCEED New crew members reveal the reasons why they have taken up the challenge to compete

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he Clipper Race promise ‘Raced By People Like You’ has people from all walks of life and nations questioning “could this really be me?”. To go outside our comfort zones, create lifelong memories and strong bonds between strangers can seem unachievable. 360º talks to Race Crew taking part, to understand their perspective and what they hope to take away from the experience.

Dianne McGrath, 54, from Australia is a circumnavigator, Environmental Consultant and Professional Speaker Someone who actively seeks out huge challenges, Dianne has cycled huge distances, hiked up mountains and sailed on board a Tall Ship in the Southern Ocean.

If that wasn’t enough, Dianne was shortlisted for the Mars One project, and began her training for a one way voyage to Mars and establish humanity’s first settlement on another planet. When the project closed down, she opted for taking on the world’s oceans instead of outer space and signed up to circumnavigate the globe with the Clipper Race.

“I didn’t plan to go to Mars as a child!” said Dianne, “I was immediately drawn in by the advert for the mission, and was super curious. Curiosity drives me – how can we make the impossible happen? When the mission fell through, the Clipper Race came into my orbit, and that was it.”

For Dianne, signing up was a no-brainer. She added: “I have long dreamt of travelling the world using natural resources. Having been part of a special community of 100 Mars astronaut candidates worldwide, I know of the unique bond that can grow within such teams or communities.”

When she isn’t seeking out or training for the next adventure, Dianne is leading a charge against ocean plastic and food waste, and hopes to amplify this message as she sails around the world.

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Curiosity drives me- how can we make the impossible happen

- Dianne McGrath - Circumnavigator

Alfie Butler, 22, from south east London, is competing for one leg on board Zhuhai. He is a sailing instructor for the AHOY Centre Charity in Deptford.

Alfie is the second person to take part in the Clipper Race after receiving a teamArchie bursary, which was set up in memory of Archie Lloyd, a young man who tragically died in 2015, aged 18, whilst travelling with friends. The bursary supports young people by providing funding for projects and special opportunities that allow them to venture outside the boundaries of their local communities and circumstances.

Growing up in Deptford, London, Alfie found the path through his teenage years was troubled with knife crime, drugs and alcohol, issues that directly affected the friends and family around him. In his application for the teamArchie bursary, Alfie said “as much as it sounds rough, these are situations my peers find themselves in too, so it becomes the norm and life keeps going, so you just keep moving.”

After leaving school at 16, Alfie joined the AHOY Centre Charity (a watersports-based charity changing lives and building life skills through sailing and rowing), gaining his qualifications and now continues a career as an instructor and keelboat maintainer. On being awarded the bursary, Alfie said that “nobody has ever given me anything” and he would use the opportunity to “give young people vision, ambition and hope.”

Alfie told us: “I want to show the kids that I teach that this is an option: if I can do it, they can do it. Someone has to tell these kids that they can do it. Where I’m from there aren’t many positive role models. I currently work with kids who have difficulties at home or with their behaviour, and I’m a bit of a mentor for them.

“The Clipper Race is putting me in a whole new world. I’m alongside crew mates from totally different socio-economic backgrounds to me, but when we are on the boat, it doesn’t matter. It’s really humbling, but it shows that regardless of circumstance, everyone has their reasons for doing something like this.”

Kate Vaughan-Jones, from Cumbria, is a retired GP and competing in one leg.

Kate Vaughan-Jones has chosen to take on her biggest adventure sailing on Leg 2 of the Clipper Race, from South America to South Africa, in search of learning about herself and immersing herself in all of the challenging aspects an ocean race serves up.

Her daughter, Mary, previously sailed around the world as a crew member and then First Mate on the previous edition, having quit her job in the fitness industry to pursue a career in sailing, which Kate says was key in inspiring her to join the Clipper Race. A competitive dinghy racer as a child, but very new to ocean sailing, Kate told 360º: “I liked the competitive nature of dinghy racing, and my daughter was on the last race and has now taken up a career in sailing, so that motivated me to experience what made her change careers.”

She added: “I have been lucky and successful in work and family life, but never really had to put myself out of my comfort zone – this will do that. It will be tough being away, the living conditions, the physical challenge, and I can’t escape it and settle for less as I will be committed to race – I want to prove to myself I can do this and find out more about myself.”

Looking forward to the mixed conditions of Leg 2, Kate will be sailing with Race Skipper Mike Miller, who mentored her daughter as a First Mate on the last race edition. l

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Team Coordinator (TC) The Team Coordinator role, more commonly known as TC, is there to support communication between the whole team, the Race Skipper and the Race Manager. The TC helps the Skipper with yacht administration and organisation.

The role requires good planning skills, time management, integrity and tact.

Fundraising Coordinator Works alongside the Race Skipper to encourage and organise team fundraising for Charity Partner, UNICEF UK. Acting as a key point of contact between the charity and the Partnerships team, the role helps support its team’s and wider Clipper Race fundraising ideas.

Bosun Assists the Race Skipper with coordinating maintenance and servicing of all deck equipment pre-start, at sea and at stopovers. Helps to care for standing and running rigging, winches, halyards, sheets, guys, blocks, whipping, splicing and care of ropes. Good attention to detail, an inventive mind and practical skills are required.

Sail Repair Leads the sail repair team to coordinate maintenance and repair of the team’s sail

ROLES ON BOARD

360° takes a look at the vital jobs on board that play to the vast experience and strengths each crew member brings with them 78

wardrobe. The condition of the yacht’s sails will be critical to racing success.

Galley Duty A vitally important role shared amongst all crew, those on Galley Duty are responsible for preparing meals and snacks throughout the day. The role includes monitoring food stores, cleaning and restocking the galley, whilst remaining prepared to be on deck to help if needed.

Victualler Ensures the team is properly fed, watered and has the necessary provisions for the duration of the race. The Victualler is in charge of meal planning as well as ensuring that communal supplies and general items are purchased. An army marches on its stomach and the nutritional and calorie content of meals needs to be considered depending on the weather and duration of each race.

Engineer Under guidance from the Race Skipper, helps to keep the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems on board in full working order. Routine maintenance of the engine, generator and watermaker, as well as servicing and repairs en route and at stopovers, is essential.

Medical Assistant The Skipper and First Mate are ultimately responsible for medical care, but the Medical Assistant is trained to support with any injuries or illness on board. Also helps to ensure that medical kits are correctly maintained.

Stopover Manager Responsible, under the direction of the Race Skipper, for organising the yacht and crew stopover programme.

This may include ensuring rig and safety checks are completed, organising the deep clean of the yacht, being

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on hand to supervise the crew to ensure all tasks and overseeing maintenance days.

Must have good leadership and organisational skills in order to allow maximum time for rest and recuperation ashore.

Media Crew Member Works with the Clipper Race Communications Team to organise media output from the yacht. This includes blogs, photos and videos, and helps organise crew for any media interview requests.

Social Secretary/Treasurer Helps to manage the crew fund, acts as a liaison with the families of the team, social events, team building, and anything else that will help bring the team together. Once the race is in action, the cohesion of the whole team is maintained by having a strong link between those sailing and leggers who are yet to join. l

CLIPPER 70 Designed by renowned naval architect Tony Castro, the Clipper 70 yachts are perfectly adapted to the race’s gruelling challenge l Each Clipper 70 has a suite of eleven sails which together cover more than 1,548m sq; a massive 17,000m sq across the fleet.

l Sta-Lok supplies more than 218 metres of stainless steel wire, plus 40 bespoke fittings for each yacht which are assembled by the Clipper Race rigging team by hand.

l To rig one yacht, excluding spares, takes 1,439m of Marlow Ropes running rigging made with 73% recycled or sustainably manufactured raw materials. This will be the first fleet and ocean race where this type of recycled and sustainable rigging is used.

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l The deck features eleven winches, twin grinders and a twin helm. l The hull hosts twin rudders which are treated with Coppercoat antifoul, made from recycled copper.

l Navigation equipment includes two chartplotters, Dell Nav PC, Timezero

by MaxSea routing software,AIS transponder and Garmin instrument displays and chart plotter, and an active radar reflector. l Each yacht hosts a minimum of five communication systems on board. This includes two VHF radios, FleetBroadband, Iridium satellite phone and two Inmarsat-C terminals enabled by voice and data services.

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2 3 9

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8

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12

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14 6

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21 22

23 7

//NUMBER KEY 1 Satellite communication system 2 Pushpit 3 Life rafts 4 Split backstay 5 Running backstay 6 Twin rudder 7 Bulb keel 8 Twin helm

9 Traveller 10 Main sheet 11 Main sheet winch 12 Twin pedestal grinder 13 Boom 14 Y ankee headsail, sheet track and car 15 Vang 80

16 Mast 17 Shrouds 18 Stanchion 19 S taysail sheet, track and car 20 Inner forestay 21 Forestay 22 Pulpit 23 Bowsprit

l When offshore, the Clipper 70s have two ways of providing 240v power – the generator and the inverter. The generator can support large electrical loads, while the inverter should only be used for small 240v requirements, as each yacht’s batteries are used as the energy source. l Custom-made hydrogenators fitted

to the transom are used to supplement or offset the on-board generator, resulting in fewer emissions and less fuel consumption, which reduces the impact on the environment. Generator use may be reduced by up to 70%.

l To charge gadgets, each boat

has multiple 12v DC outlets, which are much more efficient than using the inverter or generator for small power demands.

l The Clipper 70 has two

In the months leading up to each Race Start, the fleet goes through a rigorous refit, preparing each of the eleven yachts for the next circumnavigation.

During the nine-month process, new parts are fitted and slight modifications made to make each yacht’s maintenance easier for the the Skipper and Race Crew.

240-litre; two 370-litre and a 100-litre day tank, giving a total of 1,320 litres of fuel.

l Each yacht is fitted with a

watermaker, providing purified drinking water from sea water by reverse osmosis. In addition, fresh water is stored in two 290-litre tanks.

l When racing, the Clipper 70

can reach speeds of more than 30 knots, but the average speed of the Clipper 70 is around 10 knots [nautical miles sailed divided by hours].

l Every yacht has a 500-point rig

and safety check carried out at the end of each individual race.

F E

F

C D

A

G

//BELOW DECK A Navigation area B Crew bunk C Galley D Wet locker E Saloon F Heads (toilet) x2 G Sail and rope storage

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// VITAL STATISTICS Length overall: 23m Beam: 5.65m Draft: 3m Mainsail area: 123.19m sq Headsail area: 168.43m sq

Asymmetrical spinnaker area: 330.34m sq Height from waterline: 29m Displacement: 31,700kg Bulb keel: 12,000kg Bowsprit: 1.82m 81

THE TEAMS

Spotlight on the Clipper Race crews who are taking on one of the most demanding challenges in sport

// SKIPPER

Dare To Lead returns as a Team Partner for a third consecutive Clipper Race

DARE TO LEAD

RYAN GIBSON 34, NL / SA Logged: 95,000nm

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n initiative set up by former Clipper Race crew member and entrepreneur Dirk van Daele, Dare To Lead’s ethos builds on the learnings Dirk made on board including how much ocean racing can teach about leadership in both your personal and business spheres.

Dare To Lead will sail under the flag of personal development and teamwork. It is hoped the Clipper Race’s international crew, who represent over 40 nationalities, from diverse backgrounds, will apply the life skills learnt during this ocean challenge to become catalysts for positive change in their personal lives, professional careers, and social communities.

Crossed the Atlantic five times, and has sailed to remote parts of the Arctic and Alaska

l

“I am honoured to lead this fantastic team, developing leadership and teamwork skills between so many different people.” l

Daretolead.info @daretoleadofficial #DareToLead #DTLClipperRace

// RACE CREW

AMANDA SHEHAB, 56, British, Company Director, Circumnavigator DAVID BALL, 66, British, Sales Director Automotive, Circumnavigator GARY VENTURI, 52, British, Criminal Barrister, Circumnavigator JEROEN KOSTER, 60, Dutch, Company Director, Circumnavigator MEGAN ALLPRESS, 26, British, Materials Engineer, Circumnavigator RETIEF JORDAAN, 39, South African, Construction Manager, Circumnavigator SAVIO HENRIQUES, 40, Indian, Business Intelligence Manager, Circumnavigator SEAN MCPARTLAND, 53, British, Managing Director/ Electrical Engineer, Circumnavigator THOMAS WHALEN, 63, American, Auditor, Circumnavigator ADAMS CELE, 22, South African, 6 ALI RICHARDSON, 53, British, Medical Doctor (Retired), 4 7 ANDER URIARTE, 58, Spanish, Entrepreneur, 1 ANDREA PASQUALOTTO, 34, South African/Italian, Maritime Professional, 3

ANDREW BLACKBURN, 58, British, Hospital Director, 4 ANTOINE ARVEILLER, 33, French, Engineer, 5 ANTOON HOFMAN, 30, South African, Actuarial Product Developer, 2 BOZHIDAR VASILEV, 51, Bulgarian, Production Director , 1 CARL SCHULTZ, 39, South African, Television Producer, 6 CHARLOTTE WEGEWIJS, 36, Dutch, Product Manager Technology, 7 CHRISTOPHER DANG, 41, American, Emergency Physician, 3 CLARE WARBURTON, 63, Australian, Marketing, 4 DANA TAYLOR, 51, American, Finance Executive, 1 6 DANIEL COX, 52, British, Operations Manager, 8 DAVID HOLMES, 56, British, Historian/Lecturer, 1 DEON DUVENAGE, 55, South African, Civil Engineer, 3 DONAVAN HENDRICKS, 46, South African, Founder/ Managing Director, 2 EMMA TAPP, 35, British, Financial Equities Trader, 5 6 FRANCES ROBERTSON, 54, British, Teacher, 3 FRIEDRICH SCHAEFER, 59, German, Hotelier, 1 2 GRIET VANDENHEEDE, 52, Belgian, CFO, 1 2 8 GUSTAVO BRITO, 44, Portuguese, Management Consultant, 3

RACE CREW

03

LEGGERS

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CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

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71 62 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

CHARLIE WARHURST 23, UK Logged: 21,000nm

l Dare To Lead is built on the concept of developing leadership skills through sailing. The qualities that make winning teams on the water can often be similar back on dry land.

HERMANUS VAN NIEKERK, 42, South African, Director, 6 JAN LUIJKS, 57, Dutch, Project Manager, 6 JOAN KELLY, 58, British, Midwife, 1 JOHN ERICKSON, 40, American, CEO, 8 JOHN GILMORE, 59, American, Ph.D. Engineering (Retired); Attorney-at-Law, 1 4 JOHN KELLY, 46, Irish, Accountant, 7 8 JULIA AUSTIN, 66, British, Dentist, 2 7 8 KEVIN EDGAR, 56, British, Civil Engineering, 3 LAWRENCE MARKHAM, 68, Australian, Migration Consultant, 4 LISA SCHAEFER, 34, German, Tax Advisor, 5 LUCY MENSAH, 18, Mozambican, 1 LUNGANI JWILI, 21, South African, 4 MARCO XINISTERIS, 43, South African, Food Processing, 2 3 MARKO KOCILA, 58, Slovenian, CEO, 7 8 MARTIJN SONDERMEIJER, 40, Dutch, Integration Manager, 5 6 MAXIME TRANIER, 33, French, Engineer, 5 MUNISH KUMAR, 47, American, IT Professional, 8 NATHALI IMMELMAN, 39, South African, Medical Doctor, 2 NOLUTHANDO RADEBE, 20, South African, 7 NTOKOZO MSIYA, 20, South African, 3

Growing together through sailing

OLWAMI ZUNGU, 18, South African, 8 PAULA SMAIL, 60, American, Communications, 7 PETER LAMOND, 59, British, Head Of Commercial, 6 PETER MORGAN, 56, British, Medical Doctor, 6 PHILIP CARDEN, 39, British, Market Research Director, 4 5 6 PIET EICHHOLTZ, 60, Dutch, Professor, 1 2 PIETER MALHERBE, 53, South African, General Manager/Business Owner, 2 ROB LANG, 54, South African, Optician, 2 7 ROBERT MEURICE, 66, Belgian, Airline Pilot, 1 ROBERT LAKOS, 60, American, Consultant, 3 4 7 8 SCOTT MCFARLANE, 58, American, CEO, 3 SEB WALKER, 51, Dutch, Risk Management, 5 6 7 8 SHAUN RUDIGER, 58, South African, 3 5 SIMON BEST, 46, British, Sales Director, 7 SIMON SINCLAIR, 57, British, Company Director, 7 SIMON HAYWARD, 61, British, Director, 8 SIYANDA MAPHUMULO, 23, South African, 5 SPHESIHLE MEMELA, 21, South African, 2 STEVEN UNDERWOOD, 62, British, Operations Director, 8 STEVEN TAYLOR, 50, British, Medical Doctor/A&E, 1 2 3 WENDY FORD, 57, British, Medical Doctor (Retired), 5

16

NATIONS REPRESENTED

85

OUR ISLES AND OCEANS

Helping young people build sustainable livelihoods through the power of sport

T

The Scotland-based organisation debuts as a Team Partner in the Clipper 2023-24 Race.

Founded and based in Scotland, Our Isles & Oceans (OIAO) is working with their charitable organisation to use their platform to help young people young people affected by the global pandemic develop their skills and confidence, and take a unique step into developing a new pathway in life.

// SKIPPER

MAX RIVERS, 29, UK, Logged: 30,000nm

Sailed halfway around the world as an AQP for the second half of the previous edition

l

“It is a great honour to be appointed as Clipper Race Skipper for the Our Isles and Oceans.

What they do for young people is so inspirational and I can’t wait to lead the team on this adventure.” l

ourislesandoceans.co.uk Our Isles and Oceans @ourislesandoceans

// RACE CREW

ANITA LYNCH, 54, Irish, HR Manager, Circumnavigator BRIAN HEGARTY, 62, British, Solicitor (Retired), Circumnavigator DAVID SPENCE, 55, British, Management Consultant, Circumnavigator GLEN BERESFORD, 61, British, R.A.F Pilot, Circumnavigator KATIE MULHOLLAND, 28, New Zealander, Medical Doctor, Circumnavigator LACHLAN DUNCAN, 28, Canadian, Asset Integrity Engineer, Circumnavigator RICHARD BLUMGART, 51, American, Circumnavigator RICHARD OAKLEY, 37, British, Consultant, Circumnavigator STEPHEN BAWN, 64, British, NHS Employee, Circumnavigator ALEX WINGATE, 54, British, Company Director, 2 ALEXANDRA WOODS, 47, British, Investment Banker, 7 8

ANDREW FISHER, 59, British, Business Owner, 1 2 ANDREW THOMPSON, 56, British, Sales Engineer (Retired), 56 ANDREW COWAN, 49, British, CEO, 7 8 ANJA KAMRADT, 59, German, Biologist/Author, 1 8 ANNE SHEEHAN, 53, Irish, Director Finance & Operations, 5 BEN HOLT, 30, British, Emergency Doctor, 4 7 BETTINA ALLERMANN, 47, German, Banker, 4 8 CHRIS BROOKSBANK, 62, British, Teacher (Semi Retired), 5 CHRISTOPHER HOLLEYOAK, 60, British, Managing Director, 6 COLIN WHITAKER, 60, British, Aerospace Engineer, 1 DANIELLE GRAY, 20, British, Student, 1 DAVID PAXMAN, 57, British, Electrician, 3 DEBORAH NAGAN, 58, British, Landscape Architect, 7 DEREK WELSH, 46, Irish, COO, 3 DIMITRIJ COCEJ, 44, Slovenian, CEO, 6

RACE CREW

01

LEGGERS

FIRST RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

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61 52 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

TOM NEWSOM 24, UK Logged: 16,000nm

l Helps 18-35 year olds whose mental health is adversely affected by the isolation caused by Covid and modern forms of communication l Enable young people to develop key skills for a more sustainable career through the power of sailing

DIORBHAIL WENTWORTH, 34, British, Ph.D Student, 2 EDWARD LEVIN, 62, American, Executive, 8 ELIZABETH BALMER, 29, British, Ph.D Student, 3 ELLA NIEPER, 24, British, Sports Coach, 4 5 7 EVA MAARTENSSON, 58, Swedish, Engineer, 3 EVGENY SUDIN, 44, American, Systems Engineer, 8 FRANKIE TOWNEND, 24, British, Marketing Professional, 4 GEORGINA JACKSON, 29, British, Engineer, 5 GILL PETRIE, 30, British, Document Manager, 6 GRAEME QUAR, 65, British, Life Sciences Director, 2 3 8 INGEBORG BERGHUIJS, 61, Dutch, Journalist (/Art Director, 8 JACK RIDGWAY, 26, Irish, Student, 6 JOHN POTESS, 32, American, Web Developer, 5 6 JUHA NURVALA, 34, Finnish, Global Manager Research & Tech Transformation, 2 LORRAINE O HANLON, 36, Irish, Osteopath, 5 6 7 LUCY SAMUEL, 55, British, Project Manager, 7 8

Sail to succeed

MARK RICHARDSON, 58, British, Shipbroker, 4 MICHAEL ATKINS, 61, British, Completion Supervisor, 1 2 3 MICHAEL BARKER, 65, British, Deputy Manager, 1 2 3 4 PATRICK WOOD, 57, British, Solicitor, 1 2 3 PAUL MARTIN, 63, British, Building Services Manager, 5 PETER RALPHS, 57, British, Project Manager, 1 2 PETER ASH, 58, British, Retired, 1 6 8 PHILIP MUTTON, 71, British, Retired, 1 PHILIPP JEHLE, 45, German, Lawyer, 3 PHILLIP RADLEY, 62, British, IT Consultant, 7 RONAN DARDIS, 54, Irish, Medical Doctor, 1 SEAMUS GILROY, 67, Irish, Engineer (Retired), 2 7 SHAUN FARLEY, 58, British, Engineer, 5 6 7 STEPHEN MACKENZIE, 55, British, Farmer/Engineer, 3 4 5 6 STEVE BROWN, 52, British, Company Director, 8 TONY DELANEY, 59, Irish, Engineer (Retired), 7 8 ULLI BUESING, 66, German, Key Account Manager, 3

10

NATIONS REPRESENTED

87

Introducing the Bekezela Community Foundation, a Team Partner to the Clipper 2023-24 Race

// SKIPPER

DAVID HARTSHORN 58, UK Logged: 129,000nm

T

BEKEZELA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

he Bekezela Community Foundation (BCF) was founded by Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose, and stems from the Zulu term Bekezela, meaning patience, perseverance, resilience, and endurance. The work of BCF fosters this spirit by creating opportunities for youths in underrepresented and rural parts of South Africa, while restoring, cultivating, and protecting African culture and heritage.

Through its partnership with Clipper Race, BCF hopes to create a platform of opportunity to make sailing part of the fabric of its community whilst changing the narrative through diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Founder Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose knows first-hand how exposure to experiences outside of local communities can broaden one’s opportunities and appreciation. He hopes BCF serves as a bridge and lens to the rest of the world, showing the vast human and economic potential that these communities possess.

Has circumnavigated the globe covering different legs as a Race Skipper for the previous two editions

l

“As a team we can demonstrate the core values of Bekezela Community Foundation - patience, perseverance, resilience, and endurance – as we make our circumnavigation.

l

bcfafrica.org

// RACE CREW

BRIAN WILKINSON, 62, American, IT Consultant, Circumnavigator DAVID BROADBENT, 52, American, Film Editor/Colorist, Circumnavigator GERT BERGMANN, 59, Austrian, Corporate Restructuring Expert, Circumnavigator JIHYUN MUN, 43, Korean, Computer Programmer, Circumnavigator JUSTIN AVIOLI, 35, American, Software Engineer, Circumnavigator MELODY STOKES, 67, British, Mechanical Engineer/Ecologist (Retired), Circumnavigator NA KYUNG LEE, 37, Korean, Actuary, Circumnavigator NICHOLAS POMFRET, 71, British, Retired, Circumnavigator SACHA TAYYAR-BARNES, 23, British, Student, Circumnavigator ABDELHAMID ABOUYOUSSEF, 47, Egyptian, Managing Director, 6

BEATRICE DOLDER, 64, Swiss, Hospitality, 5 7 BENOIT STRAUVEN, 45, Belgian, Manager, 4 CARRIE FITZSIMONS, 63, Canadian, Pediatrician, 7 8 CHRIS HYDE, 51, British, Engineer, 1 2 3 6 7 8 CHRIS STANISH, 59, American, Director Procurement & Facilities, 7 CHRISTIAN ANDREW, 53, British, Police Officer, 1 DANIEL JOHNSON, 24, British, Student, 8 DENISE SIMS, 58, British, Psychotherapist, 7 GIOVANNI SCALSI RIQUELME, 31, Spanish, Airline Pilot, 2 HENRIIKKA HIENONEN, 35, Finnish, Head Of Category, 4, 8 JOE HOSSACK, 38, British, Account Management, 1 JOEL BUCHGEISTER, 28, German, Physicist, 1 JOHN MAHRDT, 58, American, 5 6 8 KAI KÖNIG, 36, German, VP Of Engineering, 4 5 7 KAJ KEKKI, 60, Finnish, Sport Director, 5 6 7 8 KATIE MIEVILLE, 41, British, Military Medical Doctor, 2 3 KENNETH MICHIE, 54, British, Retired, 1 2

RACE CREW

01

LEGGERS

FIRST RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

88

61 52 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

l The yacht’s artwork has been designed by South African artist Ayanda Mabulu.

Capturing African people’s deep connection with water as a source of spiritual cleansing and significance, the artwork aims to restore the dignity and pride stripped away from those taken from ancestral lands in the past.

MAISIE BRISTOW 20, UK Logged: 27,000nm

KEVIN GARNEAU-BEGIN, 37, Canadian, Physician, 4 6 KIRSTEN JOHNSON, 52, Canadian, Medical Doctor, 2 LAURA MARK JENSEN, 35, Danish, Cellbiologist/Hairdresser, 5 6 LIBOR MATYASEK, 47, Czech, CFO, 3 LIDIA BARTCZAK, 49, Poland, Freight Forwarder, 4 LORA BRENAN, 55, Canadian, COO, 6 LOUIS MCARDLE, 58, British, Consultant Oral Surgeon, 3 MAGEN BELL, 39, American, Marketing, 7 MARK TOEPFER, 59, German, Printing Engineer, 3 MATS ERIKSSON, 60, Swedish, Mechanical Design Engineer, 5 MAURICE CREGAN, 63, Irish, Accountant, 8 MICHAEL ALMOND, 61, British, Senior Engineer, 5 8 MICHAEL DUFAUCHARD, 46, American, Recreation Therapist, 5 6 MIRCEA CORA, 57, Romanian, Entrepreneur, 6 NIKKI SLOAN, 59, British, Director Learning & Development, 7 OCTAVIO FALCUCCI, 58, Argentinian, Anesthesiologist, 2 6 PER WERNERSSON, 57, Swedish, Businessman, 5 PETER SAWYER, 56, British, Surveyor, 7

“Unlocking extraordinary opportunities for rural communities.”

PIERRE LIGUORI, 34, French, Independent Consultant, 7 8 REX NYE, 58, British, Managing Director, 2 RICHARD WHITE, 62, British, Headteacher (Retired), 1 2 RICHARD WONDERS, 40, Australian, Retired, 3 4 ROBERT MACDONALD, 43, British, Lawyer, 5 6 RUSSELL BROOKS, 39, British, Chartering Manager, 3 RYAN SHERIDAN, 59, American, Military Dentist, 4 SANDY BELL, 40, British, Yoga Teacher, 1 SATU LIPPONEN, 43, Finnish, Head Of Deployment, 3 SHAWN OWEN, 55, American, Musician/Captain/Sailing Instructor, 8 SIMON SPILLER, 50, British, Company Director, 1 SUZANA DINIC, 59, German, Flight Attendant, 4 TED MILLER, 59, Canadian, Nurse, 1 2 3 TIM HOWSON, 46, British, Banker, 6 7 8 TIM TURPIN, 53, Australian, Semi Retired, 4 TIMOTHY GILLETTE, 61, American, Police Sergeant, 1 TONY COOPER, 56, British, Airline Pilot, 3 VINCENT VERMEULEN, 56, Dutch, Business Owner, 1 6

21

NATIONS REPRESENTED

89

Perseverance team makes its debut on the Clipper 2023-24 Race

PERSEVERANCE

// SKIPPER

T

he ethos for the Perseverance team is creating lifetime memories, despite all the challenges to come. The team aims to be successful in ways beyond the podium in the upcoming race edition.

Perseverance will raise awareness for the Princess Máxima Center. The Center has the mission to cure every child with cancer with optimal quality of life, and works everyday in a groundbreaking and passionate way.

The term Perseverance reinforces the message that its Ambassadors and Race Crew are strong and capable of extraordinary things, and by experiencing this challenge, they can carry this forward for the rest of their lives. The Perseverance team will set the bar high and share the perseverant attitude that the Princess Máxima Center inspires. Perseverance, in collaboration with the Princess Máxima Center, has created the possibility for cancer survivors to experience the challenge of the Clipper Race through an Ambassador Programme on Legs 5-8.

INEKE VAN DER WEIJDEN 49, NL Logged: 70,000nm

Has previously completed all legs except Leg 3, either as Race Crew or First Mate in previous race editions

l

“It will be an amazing opportunity to sail with people that have faced the immense challenge of overcoming cancer.” l

perseverance-charter.com/ prinsesmaximacentrum.nl/en

perseverancecharter/PrinsesMaximaCentrum/

@perseverancecharter/@prinsesmaximacentrum linkedin.com/company/prinses-m-ximacentrum-voor-kinderoncologie/

// RACE CREW

AMANDA YAP, 38, Malaysian, Medical Doctor, Circumnavigator CAMPBELL STEPHENSON, 47, New Zealander, CIO, Circumnavigator DANIEL KELLIE, 50, Australian, Retired, Circumnavigator JADE GOLDER, 23, British, Student, Circumnavigator JOSE DE TOLEDO ARRUDA, 70, American, Retired, Circumnavigator MICHAEL DYE, 65, Australian, Retired, Circumnavigator NICHOLAS TRAHAIR, 44, British/American, IT Manager, Circumnavigator PETER WILMS, 52, Dutch, Technical Advisor, Circumnavigator ALEX BELLARS, 52, British, Teacher, 1 ANDREY FILCHENKO, 50, Russian, University Professor/ Researcher, 1 7 8

ANDREY RYKOVSKY, 45, Russian, Business Development, 4 8 ANTHONY QUINN, 62, American, Physician And Biotech Executive, 7 BEN WALSH, 44, Irish, Director, 2 3 5 6 CAROLINE MALM, 51, Swedish, Management consultant, 8 CHARLES WERB, 57, Australian, Business Owner/Adventurer, 3 DAVID VANGULICK, 61, Belgian, Engineer, 1 6 DENNIS DE ROND, 58, Dutch, Founder/Creative Director, 6 DIETMAR WALCH, 44, Austrian, Freelancer, 5 DMITRY KOBYAKOV, 62, Russian, Software Developer, 6 FABIAN SEYR, 35, Italian, IT Partner/Supplier Management, 1 2 3 GABRIELE VOGEL, 56, German, Architect, 2 7 GASTON INGARAMO, 58, Argentinian, Software Engineer, 7 GEERT GOETEYN, 48, Belgian, Lawyer, 2 8 GEORGE REDLBACHER, 40, German, 8

RACE CREW

01

LEGGERS

FIRST RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

90

56 47 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

JOSS CRESWELL 23, UK Logged: 12,000nm

l The team’s Ambassador Programme will create the opportunity for cancer survivors who show perseverance to re-kickstart their life with a once in a lifetime experience of crossing the world’s oceans.

GIRTS FISERS-BLUMBERGS, 59, Latvian, Seaman, 1 2, 8 GUILLAUME MERCIER, 58, French, Welding Engineer, 6 HAMISH MITCHELL, 64, British, Air Traffic Controller, 2 5 JACOBUS LIGTHART, 60, Dutch, Retired, 5 6 7 8 JACQUELINE KEASLEY, 64, British, Physicist (Retired), 1 2 3 4 JANICE BAKER, 51, British, Dental Hygienist, 1 7 JEROEN OVERING, 30, Dutch, Turnaround Manager, 2 3 4 5 JERRY SMIT, 53, Dutch, Entrepreneur, 7 JOHN HANCOCK, 58, British, Structural Engineer, 7 8 JORGE SALMERON, 27, Mexican, Business Owner, 1,2,3,4 LAURA WEBB, 43, British, Interim Programme Director, 3 LORENZ SCHUWERACK, 58, German, Trainee Lawyer, 3 LUCY MACLEOD, 54, British/Australian, Group Commander, 4 NADJA DOERLING, 45, German, Waste Management, 4 5 NILS ROMER, 40, Danish, Actuary, 1 3

PAUL CHAPMAN, 42, American, Software Sales - Technical, 1 PIPPA JEPHCOTT, 65, British, Learning & Organisational Development, 4 5 6 RACHAEL LAYFIELD, 49, British, Corporate Communications Director, 7 RACHEL MURPHY, 52, British, Farmer/Homemaker, 4 RUSSELL ALDRIDGE, 61, British, Accountant, 3 6 RUSSELL JANNINGS, 65, American, Surgeon, 8 STEPHANIE DIDIER, 23, French, Software Engineer In Test Automation, 2 STEPHEN ELLIS, 44, British, CEO, 3 5 STEVE BOWLEY, 24, British, Engineering Manager, 2 THIJS MATHOT, 75, Dutch, Engineer, 6 TIMOTHY MORGAN, 42, British, Traditional Boat Sailor, 6 7 8 VERENA DIETHELM, 123, Austrian, Journalist, 3 WILLEMIJN VAN DER MEER, 123, Dutch, Student, 7 8 WILLIAM HOULIHAN, 123, American, Retired, 2 WIM DEREUDDRE, 123, Belgian, Software Architect, 8

16

Create memories for a lifetime

NATIONS REPRESENTED

91

Returning for its second edition, Zhuhai will show the world it’s serious about sailing

L

ZHUHAI

eading Zhuhai on its circumnavigation is Skipper James Finney, who was also First Mate for the team in the 2019-20 edition.

This edition sees 13 ambassadors selected to fly the flag for Zhuhai. Ambassadors will have the chance to be the voice of their city, sharing its culture as they travel to ports around the world.

Zhuhai will also play host to the Clipper Race and its intrepid crew as the eleven-strong fleet sails into the city in the spring of 2024. The brightly coloured hull of Zhuhai’s yacht will be sure to catch the attention of supporters as it arrives into port.

With the city’s iconic ‘Hundred Islands and Thousand Sails’, Zhuhai has become highly regarded for its marine sports industry. A leader in blue marine tourism, Race Partner Jiuzhou Group Holdings is a keen supporter of many large-scale water sports events along the city’s coastline.

// SKIPPER

JAMES FINNEY 28, UK Logged: 65,000nm

Circumnavigated the globe as First Mate, (AQP) on board Zhuhai on the 2019-20 edition

l

“My First Mate and I are flying the flag for Zhuhai around the world and looking to achieve some good race results along the way!” l

cityofzhuhai.com/index.html ZhuhaiForeignAffairs

// RACE CREW

ALESSANDRO POLETTO, 31, Italian, Medical Doctor, Circumnavigator ANDREW BERISFORD, 60, British, Owner/Business Director, Circumnavigator AUGUSTINE REYNOLDS, 59, Irish, Retired, Circumnavigator CHEE WAH LUM, 58, Malaysian, Retired, Circumnavigator CLAIRE THOMAS, 53, British, Assistant Psychologist, Circumnavigator JAMES KEMPTHORNE, 40, New Zealander, Sales, Circumnavigator JESSICA FLETCHER, 32, American, Purchasing Agent/ Builder, Circumnavigator QIANG ZENG, 30, Chinese, Business Consultant, Circumnavigator JUN GAO, 39, Chinese, Technology Product Manager, Circumnavigator MIKE TAYLOR, 51, British, Chartered Surveyor, Circumnavigator

ADRIAN HALL, 61, British, CTO (Retired), 4 8 ALAN THOMPSON, 47, British, Education Consultant (Business Owner), 7 8 ALFRED BUTLER, 22, British, 1 AMOS SHALTIEL, 63, Israeli, CEO, 3 ANDREW EGGLETON, 46, Australian, Cyber Security Engineer, 3 ANDREW DAVIDSON, 59, British, Education Director, 1 2 3 ARTURO ZORRILLA, 26, Mexican, Student/Entrepreneur, 7 CAROLINE ASTLEY, 43, British, Company Director, 1 2 3 CHEN HONG, 31, Chinese, Company Founder, DANIEL ROBERTS, 45, Manx, IT Manager, 4 DANIEL WRIGHT, 41, New Zealander, Transformation Director, 3 8 DAVID ALLEN, 54, British, Refrigeration Engineer, 3 4 DICKIE DANBY, 57, British, Retired, 1 5 6 7 DMITRI GUVAKOV, 61, American, Anesthetist, 6 EMILY ORTON, 32, British, Therapy Radiographer, 1 EVA VAN AUTENBOER, 27, Belgian, Project Engineer, 5 6

RACE CREW

02

LEGGERS CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

SECOND RACE APPEARANCE

92

63 57 10

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

MICHAEL DAVIES 29, UK Logged: 11,000nm

l Zhuhai’s water sports industry has entered an important stage of development. Partnering with global events such as the Clipper Race will help promote sailing in Zhuhai and promote its ‘Hundred Islands and Thousand Sails’ to the world.

FEDERICO CROVA, 52, Italian, Entrepreneur/Manager, 2 8 FRANCES KRUGER, 56, South African, Environmental Lawyer, 3 4 5 FREDRIK JAKOBSSON, 51, Swedish, Director Category Management, 6 JERNEJ PULKO, 40, Slovenian, Business Owner, 1 6 8 JIAWEI WANG, 25, Chinese, IT Engineer, JODIE SANDFORD, 49, British, Operations Director, 7 JOHAN GEYSER, 55, South African, Engineer, 2 JONAS LOBELL, 56, Swedish, Self Employed Entrepreneur, 1 2 3 JULIAN DE HAUTECLOCQUE HOWE, 51, French, Photographer/Film Maker, 8 KATIE HUSBAND, 22, British, Student, 7 8 KE SHI, 44, Chinese, Researcher & Teacher, KELLY MORRIS, 50, Canadian, Portfolio Manager, 4 KEVIN MOORE, 60, American, Educational Consultant, 6, 8 LINA FU, 38, Chinese, Business Owner, MARK PERKINS, 55, British, IT System Engineer, 6 MATS KLYVARE, 65, Swedish, Self Employed, 2 MATYAS MOLNAR, 40, Hungarian, CEO, 5 MELANIE BELTON, 59, British, Pilot (Retired), 5 7 8

Hundred Islands and Thousand Sails

MICHAEL WHEELDON, 61, British, Management Consultant, 1 6 NICK COX, 70, British, Chartered Engineer, 5 6 PAUL WICHMAN, 65, American, Retired, 3 4 5 PETER CUTAJAR, 54, Australian, Hydraulic Technician, 7 JINGYUN HUANG, 28, Chinese, Data Analyst, RICHARD BATTERAM, 52, Dutch, Business Owner, 1 ROBERT INGRAM, 64, British, Transport Engineer(Mechanic), 1 ROBERT EVANS, 67, British, Dental Surgeon (Retired), 7 SIMON LOWE, 67, British, Accountant,, 2 8 SIXING TAO, 18, Chinese, Student, STEVE DEPEW, 61, American, Engineer, 6 7 SUSAN DOUGLAS, 62, British, Retired, 4 VICTORIA MATTERSON, 44, Australian, CEO, 2 WEIQING LIU, 54, Chinese, Shanghai Consultant, WENWEN LIN, 26, Chinese, Digital Media, XIAOTONG HUANG, 23, Chinese, Student, XIDING ZHAO, 27, Chinese, CAE Assistant Engineer, ZHAN WANG, 35, Chinese, Technical Rescue Trainer, ZHAN SHI, 39, Chinese, Freelancer,

18

NATIONS REPRESENTED

93

YACHT CLUB PUNTA DEL ESTE

Returning for a second consecutive edition, the Yacht Club Punta del Este will be flying the flag for Uruguay as a Team Partner and Host Port on the Clipper 2023-24 Race

F

ollowing a second-place finish in the Clipper 2019-20 Race, the Yacht Club Punta del Este (YCPE ) team is back for another circumnavigation with Uruguayan skipper Nano Antía Bernardez at the helm.

The Uruguayan yacht will be looking for more strong results on the upcoming race edition, and the partner hopes to continue to promote YCPE as a unique international stopover destination.

The Clipper Race fleet will sail into Punta del Este having crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Puerto Sherry in Spain, ready to explore the city and its stunning beaches, and sample the South American culture. The timing couldn’t be better as the club is about to celebrate its 100th Anniversary, so Race Crew can expect a fiesta on arrival as the Yacht Club begins its celebrations!

// SKIPPER

NANO ANTIA BERNARDEZ 34, Portugal/Uruguay Logged: 89,000nm

Has previously completed all legs either as Race Crew or First Mate in previous race editions

l

“Being from Punta del Este myself, it is a dream come true! I’m honoured and very proud to be representing the Yacht Club, especially on our 100 year anniversary”

l

Ycpe.org.uy @yachtclubpuntadeleste @yachtclubPDE

// RACE CREW

JOSEPH BECK, 40, American, Registered Nurse, Circumnavigator LAURA AMORIM, 38, Brazilian, Lawyer/Tattoo Artist, Circumnavigator MARC DROUIN, 57, Canadian, Executive Director (Retired), Circumnavigator MICHAEL FERGUSON, 48, British, Management Consultant, Circumnavigator MIGUEL SOTO, 47, Colombian, Lawyer, Circumnavigator RACHEL HAIGHT, 28, American, Nurse, Circumnavigator SCOTT JEFFERIS, 62, American, Public Transit Manager, Circumnavigator STEPHANE LETRUDET, 54, French, Operations VP, Circumnavigator VICTOR GUERRERO, 54, Spanish, Telecom Executive, Circumnavigator ALEJANDRA DE LA PUENTE, 43, Peruvian, Entrepreneur, 5,6

ALEXANDRE MARQUE, 30, French, Electrical Engineer, 1 BOB HARRIS, 64, British, Aircraft Engineer, 1 2 CARLOS ROCA, 34, Mexican/Spanish, Consultant, 5 CARLOS DESCOURVIERES, 45, Chilean, Geologist Group Leader At Golder, 2 3 CARLOS GRANADOS, 57, Spanish, Software Developer, 23 CLOTILDE GOEMAN, 30, French, Technical Advisor Climate Change, 6 7 8 DAVE MCDONALD, 63, American, Self Employed, 8 DAVID ARIZMENDI, 46, Mexican, Insurance Agent, 5 DAVID HOWE, 51, British, IT Consultant, 6 DAVID ROWORTH, 34, British, Financial Regulator, 7 DIEGO AMADO TORRES, 44, Colombian, Scientist Chemistry, 3 EUGENIA SEGOVIA, 46, Uruguayan, Dentist, 1 5 FERNANDA NUNEZ, 38, Uruguayan, Cabinet Maker, 1 FIONA TREVEIL, 62, British, Computer Software Analyst

RACE CREW

02

LEGGERS

SECOND RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

94

65 56 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

ANGUS WHITEHEAD 20, UK Logged: 12,000nm

l Yacht Club Punta del Este is focussed on sharing its passion for sailing, courage, sports, ethics, and of continuously seeking excellence, as well as promoting the region as a unique and beautiful destination.

(Retired), 1 GERARD SOUZA, 56, Brazilian, Marina Owner/Nautical Shops Owner, 4 GERRY SCHOOLER, 67, American, Flight Attendant, 1 4 7 JAN VAN DER HOUWEN, 42, Dutch, Entrepreneur, 2 3 5 6 JASON LYKENS, 48, American, Chartering Manager, 5 6 JOAO PEDRO BACKHEUSER, 52, Brazilian, Architect, 7 JORGE TRAVASSOS, 54, Portuguese, Vet/Farmer, 2 JORGE GIRALDO, 61, Colombian, Executive/Life Coach, 3 JOSÉ VAZ, 58, Brazilian, Lawyer, 3 JUAN VILLAVECES, 40, Colombian, Business Owner, 6 KAREN NEWTON, 54, British, Police Officer (Retired), 2 KEPA KORTA, 58, Spanish, University Professor, 1 6 KESHAV VASANTHAVADA, 43, Indian, Sales, 7 LEONARDO CULOTTA, 55, Argentinian, Manager, 2 LISETTE BOOGERT, 31, Dutch, Pilot, 4 LIZ LYONS, 60, British, Multimedia Designer, 5 LIZ TORY, 46, British, Small Business Owner, 5,7 LUCIA PRENTICE, 58, British, Interior Architect, 8 LUIS LOPES, 55, Portugal, Engineer, 1 LUIS HINTZ, 33, Argentinian, QA Analyst, 2 MAREN DUVENDACK, 47, British, University Lecturer, 3

Celebrating YCPE’s 100th Anniversary 95

MARK ROLLMANN, 56, German, Board Director, 1 4 8 MARK LEARY, 48, British, Management Consultant, 4 5 MICHAEL GANNON, 67, American, Retired, 6 MICHAEL GILMARTIN, 50, British, Fire Consultant, 1 2 3 NANNE BROUWER, 45, Dutch, HR Leader, 1 2 3 NATALY SANDOVAL, 43, Chilean, Financial Accountant, 7 NICOLAS MACCHIAVELLO, 51, Argentinean, General Manager, 8 PEDRO SAUNDERS, 47, Brazilian, Business Owner/Investor, 2 PETER FORD, 60, Australian, Chef/Caterer, 3 6 RICHARD KOLB, 71, American, Retired, 5 6 7 8 ROBERT STEVENSON, 64, British, Medical Doctor, 4 5 RODRI JONES, 57, British, Engineer (Retired), 2 5 6 7 SEAN RUSSO, 60, Australian, Risk Hedging Advisor, 3 SEBASTIAN MOIX, 45, Argentinean, Self Employed, 1 SEBASTIAN RAMSEY, 22, American, Student, 6 SERGIO FELGUERES, 39, Mexican, Business Owner, 8 SIMONE SCHUFT, 49, German, Management Consultant, 3 6 8 STEPHEN MATTHEWS, 57, British, University Professor, 7 8 STEVEN FEENSTRA, 62, American, Attorney, 7 8 WILLIAM HURD, 34, American, Finance, 8 YVES BESSON, 62, French, Sales Manager, 4

17

NATIONS REPRESENTED

The longest serving Host Port & Team Partner in the history of the Clipper Race, Qingdao is back for a ninth edition with both a team entry and stopover on the race route

// SKIPPER

GREG HUNT, 35, SA / UK, Logged: 200,000nm

Crossed the Atlantic 23 times and accomplished high profile regatta racer.

l

“I’m really proud to be representing Qingdao, the Clipper Race’s longest standing Host Port and Team Partner.”

F

l

QINGDAO

ollowing Qingdao’s victory on the last race edition, China’s Sailing City is looking for more strong results on the upcoming circumnavigation, as well as continuing to develop the sport in Qingdao and China. To achieve this goal, among the Qingdao Race Crew will be ten Qingdao Ambassadors, who have been selected to not only develop into ocean racers, but to represent the Sailing City, and share their culture and knowledge with their teammates. The Clipper Race fleet will sail into Qingdao in March 2024 as part of the Mighty Pacific Leg to a warmer welcome than ever. english.qingdao.gov.cn @loveqingdao

// RACE CREW

BRENDAN WILDE, 35, Australian, Lead Agile Coach, Circumnavigator CHRIS FARIS, 59, American, IT Consultant, Circumnavigator GUSSIE GOULD, 28, New Zealander, Associate, Circumnavigator JOANNE HULTON, 63, New Zealander, Welfare Rights Adviser, Age UK, Circumnavigator KLAS ABRAHAMSSON, 61, American, Chemical Engineer (Retired), Circumnavigator LUCIA FELTZ, 59, American, Trauma Nurse, Circumnavigator ROB KERR, 54, New Zealander, Project Director, Circumnavigator WILLIAM ACKERLEY, 21, Australian, Student, Circumnavigator ALEXANDER GROSSKORD, 48, German, Product Manager, 3 4 7 ANDRE FAURE, 51, South African, Commodities Trader, 3 ANDRE MAZZELLA, 55, American/Italian/British, 7 8

ANDREW REEVES, 50, British, Director, 1 2 3 ANGELA WALKER, 52, British, Nutritionist/Coach, 4 BODO FURCHHEIM, 71, German, Medical Doctor, 2 BRIGITTA VAN NIEL, 56, Dutch, Product Manager, 7 8 BU XUAN, 26, Chinese, Scuba Diving Instructor, 7 CATE LAW, 50, Australian, Marketing Communications Manager, 7 CHARL VAN DER WALT, 49, South African, Businessman, 3 CHRIS CARROLL, 40, Australian, Engineer, 5 DAVID SHARP, 63, British, Engineer, 5 6 8 DEAN WATSON, 53, British, 6 DENN SPORCIC, 44, Australian, Software Architect, 4 DUMITRU CAPDEFIER, 54, Romanian, Lorry Driver, 1 2 3 EDITH RODGERS, 62, British, Retired, 7 ELAINE LEIGH, 52, British, Chartered Surveyor, 1 ERAN GOLIK, 56, Israeli, Self Employed, 2 GIORGIO TALAMANGA, 29, German, Department Leader Purchasing, 7

RACE CREW

09

LEGGERS CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

NINTH RACE APPEARANCE

96

65 57 8

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

STEVE WESTWOOD 48, UK Logged: 25,000nm

l Qingdao will continue to closely communicate and co-operate with Clipper Ventures Plc and leverage the race to build the Sailing City brand and boost the development of the sports industry in Qingdao.

GREGORY ADAMS, 65, American, Retired, 3 4 5 6 8 HARMON SHRAGGE, 65, American, Real Estate, 6 JIANLONG SHI, 35, Chinese, Self Employed, 2 JOHN SNEE, 60, British, Retired, 6 7 JOSEPH KEAN, 56, British, Solicitor, 1 6 7 8 JOSH YOUINGS-CLARKE, 37, British, Wholesale, 8 KATIE BAGLEY, 34, British, Senior IT Project Manager, 2 3 KENNETH GALE, 67, British, Programme Director, 7 KURT HRUBANT, 55, American, Aircraft Mechanic, 1 LEANDRE TERBLANCHE, 34, South African, Director, 4 LI JIAXIN, 24, Chinese, Professional Athlete, 3 LISA JUDE, 44, Australian, Senior Commercial Manager, 4 5 LIV JONETZKI, 30, German, Product Manager, 1 LU CHEN, 33, Chinese, Teaching Assistant, 4 MALTE NEUSS, 27, German, Aerospace Engineer, 6 MARILOU WILLSHIRE, 65, British, Biomedical Scientist, 5 MARK HUMPHRIES, 55, British, Consultancy Director, 1 MARTYN DWYER, 50, Australian, Orthopaedic Rep, 5 MASO MANETTI, 53, Italian, Business Owner, 2 MHAIRI BANNERMAN, 29, British, Sustainability Specialist, 1 2

China’s Sailing City

PAOLO PERILLO, 61, Italian, Engineer, 2 3 PATRICK DE MAYNADIER, 63, American, Lawyer, 8 PAUL THOMAS, 56, British, Hospital Consultant Doctor, 1 PHILIP MACDONALD, 63, British, Electrical Engineer, 5 6 8 RADU CIORNEI, 49, Romanian, Company Owner, 2 4 6 REIN DRESCHER, 44, German, Civil Engineer, 7 REMI HOUEL, 58, French, Heart Surgeon, 3 REMI TUYAERTS, 29, Belgian, CTO/Co-Founder, 8 SHAO XUE, 29, Chinese, Freelancer, 8 SONG XIAOWEN, 38, Chinese, Founder/Wind Energy, 6 STEVEN JAMES, 57, South African, Semi Retired, 3 TIAN FENG, 48, Chinese, Businessman, 1 TIMO WASSERMEIER, 33, German, Marketing Strategy, 1 TIMOTHY TALBOT, 58, American, Emergency Physician, 6 7 TOM BARROW, 38, British, Impact Investment Analyst, 4 5 TONI FRANKOLA, 41, Croatian, IT Manager, 8 VINCENT SOREL, 45, French, International Programme Director, 3 YUXIN HUANG, 26, Chinese, Journalist, 5 ZIQI WANG, 21, Chinese, Student, 1 MEGAN OLIVIER, 35, New Zealander, Business Continuity Manager, 8

13

NATIONS REPRESENTED

97

Raising awareness by putting children at the heart of every ocean journey

// SKIPPER

T

UNICEF

he Clipper 2023-24 Race will be the fourth consecutive edition where a UNICEF team yacht will raise awareness for the world’s leading organisation working for children in danger.

UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary contributions and donations, and the Clipper Race has again gifted the team yacht to UNICEF to help bring attention to the issues and dangers that children face around the globe. To date, Clipper Race staff, Race Crew, supporters and partners have raised over £1.2 million for the children’s charity and it is hoped that the upcoming edition will exceed its target of £365,000.

Once the current team completes the 2023-4 edition, a UNICEF team entry will have clocked an impressive total mileage of 160,000nm over four appearances. This is an incredible achievement in raising global awareness for the children’s charity.

DAN BODEY, 32, UK, Logged: 50,000nm

Has previously completed all legs either as Race Crew or First Mate in Clipper 201920 race.

l

“Having proudly sailed around the world as crew on board the UNICEF team and to return as its Skipper, is an honour.”

unicef.org.uk UNICEF UK @unicef_UK @UNICEF_uk #unicef #foreverychild

// RACE CREW

CHARLIE BECKETT, 26, British, Post Graduate, Circumnavigator FAUSTO PRIETO PEREZ, 50, Spanish, Humanitarian Aid, Circumnavigator GEORGE COLDHAM, 28, British, Software Consultant, Circumnavigator GEORGE OGDEN, 58, British, Medical Doctor, Circumnavigator HANS JEVRELL, 59, Swedish, Manager, Circumnavigator MICHAEL BEEDHAM, 55, British, Technical Director, Circumnavigator SUSAN MELLY, 56, British, Finance Director, Circumnavigator ZINA KRANCK, 56, Finnish, Design Director, Circumnavigator STEPHANIE ALLEN, 43, British, Finance, Circumnavigator ADAMS HAYNE, 50, Virgin Islands, US, Chef, 4 5 6 7 8

ALESSANDRO LOMBARDO, 58, Italian, International Humanitarian Aid Expert, 7 ALEXANDER JOCKISCH, 52, German, VP, 2 3 6 ANDRES LOPEZ, 58, Spanish, International Civil Servant, 1 257 ANDREW ROBINSON, 63, British, Medical Doctor, 6 APOORV SHARMA, 30, American, Startup Strategy Director, 8 BARTOSZ NALAZEK, 37, American, Cinematographer, 1 BENJAMIN SAKHITAB, 36, American, Investments, 1 6 BOAZ HIRSCHL, 54, Israeli, Electrical Engineer, 3 BRENT HERMILLER, 37, American, Mechanical Engineer, 4 CAROLINE KANNWISCHER, 36, French, Environmental Health Quality Engineer, 1 CHARLOTTE LEE, 41, British, 5 CHRIS REID, 50, British, Financial Analyst, 6 8 DANIEL TADDEO, 62, Swiss, Auditor (Retired), 2 DARIUSZ SCHUBERT, 58, Polish, Composite Technician, 5 DAVID KEELEY, 67, British, Social Work, 6

RACE CREW

04

LEGGERS

FOURTH RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

98

63 54 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

LAURA HAMPTON 22, UK Logged: 12,000nm

l Raising awareness for UNICEF across the globe l

Funding goes to Core Resources which are unrestricted All funds donated go to where the need is greatest.

l

DELIA LEOGREEN, 44, Canadian, Regional Director, 7 DENISE OAKLEY, 67, British, Retired, 8 ED CROOK, 53, New Zealander, Lawyer, 2 3 4 ELISA REITERER, 31, Italian, Medical Doctor, 1 2 3 FELIX STENDER, 39, German, Administration Civil Aviation, 6 GRAHAM TRUSWELL, 64, Australian, Medical Doctor, 5 GUIDO RISPOLI, 70, Italian, Financial Advisor (Retired), 7 8 HANSE RINGSTROM, 75, Swedish, Investor, 3 IAN SCANLAN, 53, Canadian, Airline Pilot, 4 INGRID STEFFERS, 67, Dutch, Aquatic Therapist, 4 5 7 JACKLYN WYER, 31, Australian, Quarantine Operations Manager, 3 JAN GOLDA, 26, Polish, AI Software Engineer, 6 JENNIFER JEN, 48, American/Taiwanese, Real Estate Investor, 5 JEREMY HALFHIDE, 58, British, Medical Doctor, 3 JOHN MAIR-JENKINS, 41, British, Consultant Epidemiologist, 2 JORG KNIZEK, 52, German, Airline Pilot, 3 KATE CHERNYSHOV, 55, British, Professional Fundraiser, 7 KELLY RAMSAUER, 31, Swiss, Program Manager, 7 8 LIZ GALLOWAY, 49, American, Media, 5 MABS ELAHI, 43, British, Ship's Doctor, 4

Help us build a safer world for every child

MARTIN SCANLAN, 64, British, Retired, 1 2 MATT GARLEY, 48, British, Sales Director, 3 MATTIAS DAHLGREN, 51, Swedish, CEO, 1 2 6 MAUD SCHOUTEN, 59, Dutch, HR Manager, 7 MICHAEL VEROST, 43, American, Consultant, 3 8 PETER BODMAN, 56, British, Entrepreneur, 7 PHILIP SIDDLE, 60, Australian, Electrician, 6 7 8 RACHEL BODENHAM, 51, British, Medical Doctor, 7 8 REBECCA LOWE, 28, British, Civil Servant, 8 SCOTT BURMAN, 50, British, Chartered Engineer, 2 SIMON FULLER, 35, Australian, Barrister, 5 STUART BEGG, 63, British, Architect, 1 TANYA HORN, 56, Canadian, Mother Of Four/RN (Retired), 1 4 THOMAS GRUNEWALD, 60, German, Managing Director IT Company, 8 THOMAS UDESEN, 51, Danish, CPO, 2 3 TOM NEILL, 59, British, IT Consultant, 1 TREVOR RAYBOULD, 52, British, Customer Success Manager, 8 WAYNE SUTCLIFFE, 48, Australian, Materials Handling Engineer, 4 ZIV HALEVI, 66, Israeli, Entrepreneur, 1

17

NATIONS REPRESENTED

99

MIKE MILLER 54, UK Logged: 140,000nm

SP Worldwide Logistics provides global shipping solutions for customers, delivering cargo by sea and air. Its network of overseas partners ensures that all aspects of the logistics process are dealt with in a timely and professional manner, its own software which was designed to provide customers with live tracking of shipments on the sea, and a personal and dedicated service that sets it apart from competitors.

The British based company has a joint venture in Hong Kong and has plans to open other offices in Asia.

“As a local and family run business, PSP Worldwide Logistics reflects the ethos of the community we are building within our team.”

PSP LOGISTICS

The global freight forwarder and international boat transportation company, PSP Worldwide Logistics, returns as Team Partner for a fourth race edition

P

// SKIPPER

Returning for his third consecutive Clipper Race

l

l

psp-logistics.com PSPLogistics #PSPWorldwideLogistics

// RACE CREW

ANDREW MOSS, 55, Canadian, Coach, Circumnavigator DAVID SMITH, 63, American, Computer Tech/Instructor, Circumnavigator DIANNE MCGRATH, 54, Australian, Consultant, Circumnavigator JESSICA MORGAN, 41, American, Mine Engineer, Circumnavigator JUSTIN HOWARD, 50, Australian, Agronomist, Circumnavigator LORENZO GAUDENZI MORANDI, 33, Italian, Circumnavigator MARK HAGAN, 51, Canadian, Retired, Circumnavigator RANULPH MURRAY, 34, British, Communications Advisor, Circumnavigator TOM ESCHAK, 39, Canadian, Stock Trader, Circumnavigator ALEX MARTIN, 27, Canadian, Logistics & Systems, 1, 2 3 BRENT CAMPBELL, 64, Canadian, Retired, 6

BRIAN ARNOLD, 52, American, Owner’s Rep./ Project Manager, 8 BRIAN WALLACE, 60, Canadian, IT Exec - Retired, 3 4 5 6 CAMPBELL FLEMING, 55, British, Geologist/Company Director, 3 5 CHARLIE WHEWELL, 46, British, Lecturer In Outdoor Education, 8 CHRISTINE PERSCH, 60, German, Director Digital Engineering, 1 2 3 CHRISTOPHE LITTAYE, 61, French, Engineer, 3 COLIN TOMLINSON, 54, British, Training Facilitator, 5 6 DAN POPE, 48, British, Business Owner, 4 DAVE FOURNIER, 62, Canadian, Manager, 1 2 DIMITRI LOKHONIA, 52, Canadian, Business Owner, 4 8 EDOARDO TOCCO, 55, Italian, Manager, 1 6 EVAN MUNEY, 56, Israeli, Business Owner/Coach, 3 GUSTAVO MULLER, 46, Canadian, Engineering Director, 6 HENRY OLSON, 60, American, Software, 2

RACE CREW

04

LEGGERS

FOURTH RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

100

65 56 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

LOTTIE WADE 26, UK Logged: 10,000nm

l PSP Worldwide Logistics is also one of the leading marine forwarders in the world with a dedicated division specialising in the movement of sail and motor yachts and motorboats of all types and sizes.

JENNIFER HAYNES, 34, British, Account Lead, 4 JERRI HURST, 63, British, Police Officer (Retired)/Self Employed, 1 JON ERLANDSON, 49, American, Visual Merchandising Manager, 6 JONATHAN WEBSTER, 58, Canadian, Entrepreneur/Airline Pilot, 8 JOSEPH GOVIER, 52, British, Company Director, 8 KATE FRISCHKORN, 31, Canadian, Midwifery Student, 8 KATE VAUGHAN-JONES, 61, British, Medical Doctor (Retired), 1 2 KEITH HAMPSON, 61, British, Commercial Director, 7 8 KEVIN FOLK, 44, Canadian, Entrepreneur/Engineer, 5 LISA FRANKLIN, 34, British, Marketing Insight Director, 5 6 7 8 LOUIS MARTIN, 58, Canadian, Global Head Of Tax, 3 MAYA VOHRAH, 27, British, Teacher, 7 NADAV SCHWALB, 30, Israeli, Robotics Engineer, 3 NADIA ROSS, 47, Canadian, Video journalist, 5 PETER BAUER, 60, German, Scientist (Meteorology), 4 PETER RICE, 64, British, Medical Doctor (Retired), 5 6 7 8 RACHEL ALLEN, 56, British, Project Manager, 5 RAY NEDZEL, 59, American, Theatre Artist/Media Producer, 2 REECE TITUS, 22, American, Retail Management, 4 ROB PEPIN, 61, Canadian, Insurance Professional, 1 2 ROBERT GAFFNEY, 65, Irish, ENT Surgeon/Just Retired, 2 ROBERTO PICCOLO, 40, American, Business Manager, 2

Always moving forward 101

RONALDO SOUZA, 71, Brazilian, Civil Engineer, 7 8 RYAN DUNN, 44, Canadian, PLM Specialist, 1 5 7 SANDRA MACKO, 27, American, Marine Biologist, 7 SARAH YUILE, 47, Canadian, Portfolio Manager, 1 SEBASTIAN PERSCH, 40, German, Environmental Data Analyst, 3 SHAUN JONES, 39, American, Developer, 4 STEFAN MOSS, 42, Swedish, Development Engineer, 6 STEPHANIE THIFFAULT, 28, Canadian, Canadian Coast Guard/Marketing, 7 8 STEPHEN HERNDLHOFER, 56, British, Management Consultant, 1 2 5 6 STEPHEN HOCHEDER, 61, American, Emergency Physician (Retired), 2 3 6 STEPHEN TITUS, 62, American, Real Estate Developer, 3 4 STEVEN WATSON, 56, British, Joiner/Carpenter, 1 SUSAN BLUNT, 49, Australian, Events Director, 3 TIM THOMAS, 57, Australian, Business Owner, 4 TRACEY STRUNGA, 51, Canadian, System Analyst, 7 TREVOR SALES, 49, Canadian, Mechanical Engineer, 7 VERA OTTEN, 32, German, Medical Doctor, 4 5 6 VIVIEN MICO, 43, British, Teacher, 8 CHRIS LUCE, 56, Canadian/American, Software Sales, 7

11

NATIONS REPRESENTED

WASHINGTON, DC

Washington, DC ready to show the world there’s more to the capital city than meets the eye

// SKIPPER

HANNAH BREWIS 26, UK Logged: 40,000nm

W

elcoming Washington, DC team to the Clipper Race, the iconic city is eager to showcase to the world that there is much more to the US capital than the museums and monuments that originally come to mind.

The bold and colourful branded yacht the team will call home on its circumnavigation, will also sail into its home port of Washington, DC at the end of Leg 7, the USA Coast to Coast Leg. While berthed in port, Crew can expect a warm Washington welcome from Clipper Race Partner Events DC – the hosts of an extensive catalogue of sports, entertainment, cultural events, and community engagement. Race Crew can relax, unwind, and soak up the sights of this incredible capital before setting off to cross the North Atlantic on the final leg of the circumnavigation.

Previously First Mate on board Seattle for the second half of the 201920 edition.

l

”The city prides itself on being one of the most environmentallyfriendly cities in the United States – values we as a team support.” l

eventsdc.com @OfficialEventsDC @EventsDC @TheEventsDC

// RACE CREW

BILL RINER, 62, American, Engineer/Information Technology, Circumnavigator DANIEL RICHARDSON, 61, American, General Surgeon, Circumnavigator ELIZABETH DICESARE, 28, American, Consultant, Circumnavigator GREGOR CRAIG, 60, British, CEO, Circumnavigator ISOBEL KING, 33, British, Residential Surveyor, Circumnavigator JONATHAN HAY, 56, British, Business Manager, Circumnavigator OLIVER MASON, 40, British, IT Engineer, Circumnavigator ROBERT STADDON, 69, British, Retired, Circumnavigator VASILEIA DIALYNAKI, 48, Greek, Logistics Advisor (NGO), Circumnavigator ADRIAN CYBRIWSKY, 48, American, Writer, 5 AL CROPP, 47, British, Sales Manager, 2 ALAN MCCUBBIN, 41, Australian, IT Manager, 5 7 ANDRE HAGMANN, 53, Swiss, Technical Consultant, 7 8

ANDREAS ZERR, 52, German, Film Producer/Director, 1 3 4 6 7 ANTON BATURIN, 44, Luxembourger, Lawyer, 8 BART ROSSEL, 51, Belgian, Business Owner, 1 2 BARTEK PUZON, 37, Poland, Software Engineer, 4 5 BENCE OLVECZKY, 53, American, Professor, 3 8 BERNARD SECHAUD, 50, Swiss, Manager, 2 3 BRIAN KING, 54, American, Real Estate Investor, 1 2 6 CATHERINE LISTER, 57, British, Admissions/Marketing Director, 7 8 CHRISTIAN POULSSON, 58, Norwegian, Lawyer, 4 6 CHRISTOPHER BUTCHER, 63, British, Retired, 1 2 3 DAVID LAUFER, 63, American, Public Affairs Executive, 6 DAVID MARSAN, 57, British, Technology, 6 DAVID NEW, 52, British, Business Analyst, 5 6 DJOKA JANJUSEVIC, 51, Croatian, Entrepreneur, 1 FLORIAN ENGERT, 57, American, Professor, 3 5 GREGORIO CONCHA-TORO, 30, Italian/American, Consultant, 3

RACE CREW

01

LEGGERS

FIRST RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

102

67 58 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

CAMERON MCCRACKEN 24, UK Logged: 36,000nm

HARRISON OATES, 27, Manx, Ph.D Student, 3 4 5 HILL MARTIN, 32, American, Law Enforcement, 1 IAN JONES, 66, British, Compliance Officer, 1 JACQUES MOORE III, 42, American, Executive, 6 JEAN-MARC TAVERNEY, 61, Swiss, Chartered Accountant, 1 JOHANNES FRANKE, 65, British, Managing Director (Retired), 3 JOHN ARNOLD, 64, American, Professor, 4 JOSEPHINE BURNETT, 33, British, Solicitor, 5 JULIE RABOY, 45, Israeli, Partner, 8 KENNETH WEISSMAHR, 57, Swiss, Consultant, 1 3 8 LERENZO MALCOM, 34, American, Software Engineer, 3 LIVIA MUELLER, 29, Swiss, Civil Engineer, 4 LUCY KOLODYNSKA, 32, British, Producer’s Assistant, 2 LUCY CRADDOCK, 43, British, Civil Servant, 7 8 MALINA POSHTOVA DELAMERE, 55, American, Writer, 1 MAURICIO CONCHA, 60, American, Physician, 3 MELAY ULKER, 49, Turkish, Procurement Manager, 8 MICHAEL SCHMIDT, 65, Dutch, Retired, 1 MICHAEL WALLISER, 40, American, Real Estate Development, 7

It will be an honour to welcome the Clipper Race crew to this world-class destination 103

l Sustainability is a core focus in the city, with many major entities focused on ocean health and the future of our oceans based in Washington, DC.

NEIL THUBRON, 58, British, Business Owner, 5 NIKOLAI KOLESNIKOV, 60, British, CFO, 8 PAUL SPENCER, 65, British, Programme Director, 6 7 PEIRCE WADDINGTON, 54, British, Company Director, 4 PETER NIKONOWICZ, 40, British, Operation Executive, 2 PIERRE MATUSSIERE, 50, French, Investor, 3 RONEN MOLDOVAN, 54, Israeli, Computer Engineer, 2 6 SHENGRONG WU, 23, Chinese, Student, 5 6 STEVEN HEBERT, 62, American, Real Estate Broker, 2 STEVEN CLARKE, 60, British, Commodity Derivative (Retired), 8 STEVEN CARTER, 60, American, Executive Partner, 6 8 SUE WOODCOCK, 59, British, Senior Renal Nurse/Lecturer, 7 SUSAN SMITH, 64, British, Retired, 1 2 SUZI MOORE, 58, British, 5 TANEL TUULEVESKI, 47, Estonian, Entrepreneur, 7 TERESA CHATFIELD, 70, British, Director/Owner, 4 TESSA BRESLIN, 47, Irish, Psychologist, 8 TOMASZ PAWLOWSKI, 45, British, Chartered Civil Engineer, 6 7 VERONIQUE MICHELIN, 43, Canadian, Film Industry Technician, 7

21

NATIONS REPRESENTED

HA LONG BAY, VIET NAM

The picturesque province makes a second appearance as a Team Partner in the Clipper Race

// SKIPPER

T

he UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is located in the Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam, and it is this beautiful location that is the team entry and Host Port Partner for the Clipper 2023-24 Race. This will be the first time that Ha Long Bay will be a Host Port Partner and the second as a Team Partner.

Attracting millions of tourists every year, this bucket list location is surrounded by emerald green waters from the Gulf of Tonkin which is populated with towering limestone pillars and islets topped with lush greenery.

Visitors can explore the beautiful caves and islands that surround the Bay, before heading to one of the many popular markets, and sampling some of the most amazing street food available.

The welcoming people and the amazing food makes it a place that the Clipper Race is looking forward to visiting.

JOSH STICKLAND 35, UK Logged: 150,000nm

Previously led his team to third place overall in the 2019-20 edition

l

“Ha Long Bay is renowned for its natural beauty and it will be such an amazing experience to sail the Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam yacht into its home port.” l

halongtourism.com.vn/en @HalongTourismInformation @halongtourism.information

// RACE CREW

ADRIAN BIRRER, 66, Swiss, IT Project Manager (Retired), Circumnavigator ERIC FROGGATT, 57, British, Process Engineer, Circumnavigator JACI SMITH, 35, American, Director Of Operations, Circumnavigator NICKEL GOESEKE, 65, American, Real Estate, Circumnavigator OLAF KADEN, 56, German, Engineer, Circumnavigator OLIVER HOOTON, 52, British, Business Analyst, Circumnavigator PATRICK MORAN, 33, Irish, Camera Assistant, Circumnavigator ROSS DUNLOP, 59, British, Retired, Circumnavigator VICKI LESLIE, 39, British, Head Chef, Circumnavigator AISTIS ZABARAUSKAS, 46, Lithuanian, Managing Director, 2 ALAN LOCHHEAD, 57, British, Management Consultant, 1 ALICE THOMAS, 36, Manx, Senior Marketing Manager, 5

BARB HEINONEN, 45, Canadian, Director/Project Manager, 2 BJORN NORDIN, 32, Canadian, Finance, 8 CAMILLA BRANDT, 29, German, Medical Doctor, 7 8 CHARLES MOULIN, 33, French, Anesthesiologist, 6 CHRISTIAN PRESSLER, 43, German, IT Project Engineer, 8 CHRISTOPHER GEORGEADES, 46, Cypriot, Senior Project Engineer, 6 DANIEL PEARSON, 46, Australian, Insurance/Finance, 7 DAVID DUNAWAY, 67, British, Surgeon, 2 EDWARD LAMMAS, 36, British, Real Estate Developer, 4 5 6 ELISABETH BAEKELANDT, 33, Belgian, Medical Doctor, 7 EOIN MILLS, 40, Irish, Dentist, 1 GAURAV MEHTA, 38, Indian, Merchant Sea Farer, 3 GIANLUCA TESTA, 62, Italian, General Manager, 5 8 GRZEGORZ RUTKOWSKI, 55, Polish, Management, 3 6 HAMDAN ALSHAMSI, 37, Emiratis, Lawyer, 2 4 HAN VAN ROOSMALEN, 60, Dutch, Software Architect, 5 8 HANS-PETER BICHELMEIER, 63, Swiss, Company Owner, 1 2

RACE CREW

02

LEGGERS

SECOND RACE APPEARANCE

CIRCUMNAVIGATORS

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63 54 9

MEET THE TEAM // AQP

ELLA HEBRON 18, UK Logged: 10,000nm

l Quang Ninh Province is one of the fastest growing localities in Vietnam, hosting beautiful and amazing landscapes with welcoming locals

HELEN LEIGHTON, British, Consultant, 1 7 IVAN BONDARENKO, 46, Dutch, Marketing Strategy, 3 JAMES SEDGWICK, 55, British, Epidemiologist (Doctor), 1 JERRY KEIHSLER, 45, Austrian, Robotics Engineer, 5 JILL LOFTUS, 57, American, Registered Nurse, 4 KATE CUNNINGHAM-KENNEY, 62, Australian, Garden Designer (Retired), 5 KAUSHIQ KODITHODIKA, 51, Indian, Sales Director, 2 8 LAURA BOWEN, 62, British, Veterinary Surgeon, 5 6 8 LINDA VAN DOORN, 56, Dutch, Physiotherapist, 1 MADS KAMP, 58, Danish, Self Employed, 8 MARC LITTLE, 45, British, Property Developer, 6 8 MARK JAFFRAY, 48, British, Offshore Supervisor, 6 MARK GEBOES, 46, Belgian, Teacher, 1 2 3 4 MICHAEL NEWMAN, 54, Australian, Engineer, 6 NATHALIE FAURE BEAULIEU, 58, French, Student/Consultant/Non Exec, 7 NICOLAS GALLEGO, 41, Colombian, Ph.D Student/Teaching Assistant, 7 8

NIEL HOLT, 59, British, IT Consultant, 7 PATRICIA O CONNOR, 44, Irish, Network Lead Tech Company, 3 PATRICK ANGEHRN, 29, Swiss, R&D Engineering, 1 PETER BARRY, 56, Irish, Tea Buyer, 1 2 7 RADOSLAW KITA, 54, Polish, Head Of Data Science, 4 RALPH GUNKELMAN, 48, Australian, Orthopaedic Surgeon, 3 4 SARAH NELSON, 41, British, Curriculum And Training Manager, 5 6 SEAN SAWDON, 34, American, Engineer, 7 SERGE BONNEL, 60, French, General Manager, 1 SHAYNE HEMBROW, 56, British, Director, 7 8 SKYE QUINN, 46, American, Design Coordinator, 8 SLAVOMÍR KOCKA, 45, Slovakian, SW Engineer, 2 SUSAN GIFFORD, 56, American, Medical Writer (Clinical Research), 1 7 SUSAN WENT, 70, British, Management Consultant, 3 4 5 TIM DUNN, 46, British, Commercial Director, 2 TYSON STELLRECHT, 40, American, Marine Electronics Technician, 3 4 5 6 URI YILLOZ, 49, Isreali, Project Manager, 3 YOAV SCHWALB, 64, Irish, Businessman, 3

A place of stunning beauty and welcoming people 105

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NATIONS REPRESENTED

WE HAVE CHANGED SO MANY LIVES

‘The challenge of the Clipper Race has uplifted the lives of crew and organisers, building confidence and inspiring people to achieve’, says Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

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wenty seven years after the very first Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, President and Founder of Clipper Ventures, Sir Robin KnoxJohnston reflects on almost three decades of changing lives through sailing.

Image Credit: Matt Dickens ImageComms

Can you believe that almost 27 years later, the Clipper Race is still going and is bigger than ever?

RKJ: Well, when we started the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, we would have never anticipated this at all. We were planning one event, and then we came back from that and said well, what do we do with these boats? Do it again I suppose!

We took a very robust attitude to training and safety right from the start: a staged training programme, and developed our own ideas of what training was required for our specific purpose, bearing in mind that the Clipper Race is not a normal race. You know, if you’re racing around the buoys, it’s a different game. You get out in the oceans: that weighs a lot bigger. So we developed a system, the idea being that we would turn people into good seamen. Not good racers,

because that is something that the crew can pick up, but our goal is to ensure crew are safe on the boat and if things went wrong, they know what to do. This is still the basis of what we do today.

When you started the venture with William, you were doing all the jobs between the two of you. How do you and William complement each other?

Well. William is a very good businessman but at the start knew nothing about boats! So, we sort of split things up along those lines: I would look after the boats, skippers and crew, and William would focus on ports. Initially, we didn’t look for sponsors, but as the company grew we started working with partners. We each knew the specific things we were dealing with. I don’t think we ever really sat and discussed it!

Why is Clipper Ventures still going – why is it a sustainable business?

RKJ: You may find it hard to believe that 27 years ago, William and I were extremely energetic! We had this project that was going to happen and nothing would stop it.

We weren’t going to fail. It was as simple as that. We set up a totally different business plan to everyone

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else by going on a two year race cycle, which these boats are more than capable of doing, and we got it right.

There is a lot of loyalty in the Clipper Race – many crew became staff, skippers returned as Race Directors. How proud of the team are you?

I’m proud of our team and William and I stand by them.

The team get along with each other, and they share the ethos of “we’ve got a job to do so we will get it done. OK we have a problem, we’ll fix it.” It doesn’t matter which part of the company you’re involved in, one way or another you will find people helping each other.

How important is it to have a pathway within a company to help people from grassroots succeed within a business?

We encourage people to progress within the sailing industry. We have a huge chance to assess people and pick people out and say “you really should be doing this” and we encourage them. By developing people in the company, they know exactly how we operate, what our training is about and understand the ethos.

What is it about ocean racing that you thought would encourage those new to the sport to sign up?

Well, I enjoy going out and being on a boat, and I thought well, if I enjoy it, then there’s other people out there who will, too. However, you have to lead people to it: they might not like it after the first week, but after a few weeks people pick it up as they go along. You know, once you’re sitting in the Trade Winds and the sun is sparkling on a blue sea and the boat is sailing fast, you’ll think this is why I’m doing it. And so that’s really where it came from: let’s try and spread this knowledge and this opportunity more than anything else.

How do people grow and change

during the Clipper Race?

Self-confidence. People realise they can do more than they thought. It is particularly obvious with young people. For example, when they find themselves in bad weather up on the foredeck with the CEO of a company, they think “I can do this job as well as them on the boat” and there’s that lightbulb moment and they think “yes, maybe I can be a chief executive.”

They’re just opening up their lives.

There was a young women on the very first Clipper Race edition who worked for a PR company in London. At the end of the race I asked her if she was returning to her job. And she said “no, I’ve got confidence in myself now. I must set up my own business.” I next saw her two years later. I said how are you getting on? She said, “I’m learning so much. I’m my own

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boss. I’m loving it.” Those are the types of stories that give me so much satisfaction.

Is this why Ambassador Programmes continue to be a core part of the Clipper Race?

Absolutely. We have always been keen on having Ambassadors on board, because we see the change in them and the sailors then go on to spread their skill and confidence in their community.

I do think this is one of the best things we have done, along with teaching people to sail who then go on to take it up professionally.

I think the key effect has been changing lives, by showing them that they can reach up far higher – they’ve learnt to say “wait a minute, I believe in myself.” That is such an invaluable lesson. l

LIFE ON BOARD Maddie Church, a student living in America, raced from the Philippines to London with her father Chris on board GoToBermuda

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addie Church, a student living in America, sailed from the Philippines to London on Legs 6, 7 and 8 with her dad on board GoToBermuda on the last edition.

She wrote about her adjustment to life at an angle in Crew Diary from the mighty and relentless North Pacific Ocean: “Life on board. If you are unaware of the living conditions on board our floating flat I’ll do my best to offer you a glimpse into life out here. We are guests in these seas, so we adjust and live like one.

“Let’s start with the galley. Not the kitchen, but the galley. The galley can be cramped and overheat faster than you have time to chop the onions. There are four fans in each corner blowing hot air at you. It feels like a food truck, always busy, it can only fit two people in at a time and you never know what’s gonna come out. All jokes aside, we have been eating pretty well. This 30-ton boat crossing the North Pacific is filled with an endless supply of chocolate, fresh produce, more canned meat than I ever anticipated. An eclectic range of flavours. Plus, flying fish landing on deck that are more likely to slap you in the face than end up on your plate.

“Cooking for 16 people definitely has its challenges, like trying to boil potatoes with no water (my bad) or mistakenly using dishwasher soap to coat the spuds (shout out to you, Dad). But there’s always laughs to be shared and food to be eaten, despite how it comes out.

“Now on to personal hygiene. There is no shame in wearing the same outfit for a week straight, having permanent salty and sweaty hair (dreadlocks growing for some), and crawling into your bunk feeling like a glue stick. What makes it manageable is everyone is in the same boat. It’s almost more alarming when someone walks past you smelling clean (post-deodorant touch-up) than when a

“If this isn’t an adventure of a lifetime, I don’t know what is”

Top: Maddie Church Middle: Team GoToBermuda Bottom: The racing never stops, above and below deck

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Top: Savouring sunset Above left: At a 40-degree angle, life on board presents unique challenges Above right: Stormy hands

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whiff of BO permeates the air. But we are all fastidious with our baby wipes and finally understand and appreciate the purpose of baby powder.

“Finally, the heads. Not the bathroom, but the heads. There are two on board. The pumping routine we are required to adjust to becomes a nice minute arm workout. You might try and time using the heads when the generator is running or when no one is around, but the reality is there is little to no privacy on board.

“To sum it up, life is incomparable to anything I’ve ever experienced.

I’m learning to deal with discomfort in an unknown territory with 15 strangers. If this isn’t an adventure of a lifetime, I don’t know what is.” l Follow the stories of Clipper

Race Crew throughout their ocean odyssey on social media and at clipperroundtheworld.com l clipperroundtheworld.com/crew

THE TOUGHEST JOB IN SAILING Tasked with leading a crew of up to 22 adventure-seekers around the world, the role of a Clipper Race Skipper is one of the most demanding leadership positions out there. Once the Skippers get through a rigorous selection, five months of intensive preparation follows 113

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ailing from Uruguay, Portugal, South Africa, the Netherlands and the UK, the eleven Race Skippers appointed to lead teams on the Clipper 2023-24 Race have collectively sailed more than one million nautical miles.

Skippers are chosen following an exceptionally rigorous selection process of interviews and on-thewater trials, but the hard work doesn’t stop there. Once recruited, Skippers undergo five months of intensive preparation to hone their skills across a range of areas, from on the water drills, to studying SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and working on Clipper Race Training courses with this edition’s Race Crew.

Clipper Race Director Mark Light and Deputy Race Director Dale Smyth, who have both previously skippered a global circumnavigation, are responsible for the recruitment and development of the Race Skippers.

Mark said: “For a professional skipper, circumnavigating the globe can be seen as a pinnacle in their chosen career and that, alone, makes this job attractive. However, racing around the world brings huge responsibility and great demands. This is why we look for not only elite sailors, but also exceptional leaders and good people.

“Taking on the challenge of leading a crew from diverse backgrounds, over an eleven-month long adventure, can be relentless, but the rewards are extremely satisfying. On the sailing

“The Clipper Race demands a skillset like no other from the Skippers and AQPs, and the expert training programme they undergo equips them with further knowledge and support to build and nurture exceptional teams.”

- Mark Light, Clipper Race Director

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side, Race Skippers have to be highly experienced, and experts in the field of sailing, navigating, racing and coaching.

There is also related experience required in many other areas such as weather routing, yacht maintenance, incident management and, most of all, safety. Additionally, an array of further abilities such as mentorship, conflict resolution and media capabilities are all key skills that we look for.”

Clipper Race Skippers are thoroughly prepared, know every inch of their ocean racing yacht and ready to take on the challenge of leading crew around the world. Skippers are first and foremost responsible for keeping their crew safe, and also fundamental in coaching the diverse Clipper Race crew and helping them to become ocean racers.

Around 40% of crew have never sailed before signing up to the intensive and rigorous Clipper Race Training. Every crew member must complete four levels of compulsory training ahead of the race, where they gain essential knowledge and skills to be an effective crew member. But the real learning starts once they begin racing. Here the Race Skipper is instrumental in passing on knowledge, teaching and helping to hone skills, and providing mentorship to empower the crew to grow and develop.

To assist each Race Skipper as a second-in-command, each yacht also has an Additional Qualified Person (AQP). Dale Smyth, Deputy Race Director, said: “These are fully qualified and professional seafarers who fulfil the position of First Mate on board and will help both the Race Skipper to run the yacht and manage the team.

They will also help the entire crew in achieving their goals and objectives.

AQPs are outstanding individuals who are well established in the maritime industry and many of them will be building towards becoming a Race Skipper in the future using the clear

l Ineke van der Weijden, Clipper 2023-24 Race Skipper and former International Development Manager, said: “The team at GRA used a combination of personal profiling, leadership exercises and some theory to gain an understanding of what kind of leaders we are, and how we can use our strengths to build our crews.”

pathway that Clipper Ventures offers.

“Six of our Skippers for the upcoming editions were AQPs on the previous race, and several of our professionals have come from roles as Training Skippers at the Clipper Race and through working as instructors at Hamble School of Yachting.”

The pre-race schedule for Skippers and AQPs is as thorough as it is wide-ranging. In addition to large amounts of time spent on the water and learning about all aspects of the Clipper 70s, Skippers are trained to use specialist navigational software

by TIMEZERO, learn about lifejacket servicing and safety from Spinlock, and receive further product training from Marlow Ropes. Additional specialist sessions are delivered on subjects such as enhanced medical training and weather systems with Clipper Race Meteorologist, Simon Rowell.

Grahame Robb Associates (GRA) is the Official Learning and Development

Supplier for a second edition running.

The company has delivered a bespoke leadership and development programme for the Race Skippers and AQPs designed to build on their existing strong leadership skills. GRA draws on its extensive experience in coaching elite sportspeople and corporate leaders to deliver a unique learning programme.

Grahame Robb, Managing Director of GRA (gra.uk.com), said: “GRA supports these brilliant leaders in honing their skills and ability to adjust their behaviour to be able to drive performance, at the same time as mentoring, coaching and upskilling their Race Crew. Knowing when it’s appropriate to direct, coach, support or delegate makes all the difference when it comes to effective leadership, especially in such a dynamic and harsh environment like the world’s oceans.

“GRA uses tools such as Belbin Team Role Theory and Great People Inside

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(GPI) psychometric tools to make the best Skipper and AQP pairings. We want to pair individuals who can work effectively together in different and challenging circumstances, over an exceptional period of time.”

The tailored scheme is designed for the professionals to push the boundaries of their existing capabilities, and further develop as leaders through experiential learning in an environment which simulates the pressure of real-life race conditions, as well as throwing them into new situations. l l Are you looking to develop your sailing career with a view to becoming a Race Skipper? The Hamble School of Yachting fast track Professional Sail Training (PST) course is designed to progress you to a fully qualified professional standard. Visit hamble.co.uk to find out more, and take a look at job opportunities at www. clipperroundtheworld.com/jobs

ON DECK OR ONSHORE PROTECTION GUARENTEED

BR1 is one of Musto’s proprietary high-performance fabric technologies that is designed to keep you dry when both on deck and on shore.

www.musto.com

A CLASS APART

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ith an established reputation for providing high-quality training tailored to meet the needs of individual students, Hamble School of Yachting (HSY) is one of the RYA’s leading sailing schools. HSY’s wide-reaching offering of sail training and professional pathways led to the company joining Clipper Ventures in early 2019.

Its success in the sail training sector can be attributed to a range of factors, including a focus on personalised training,

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quality instructors, practical training, and exceptional customer service.

The school employs some of the most experienced and qualified sailing instructors in the industry. These professional sailors have a passion for teaching and a commitment to ensuring that every student achieves their goals – be they beginner, intermediate or professional.

“Hamble School of Yachting places a strong emphasis on practical training. While theoretical knowledge is important, the school believes that students learn best

by doing,” said Principal and Chief Instructor at HSY, Dave Robson.

“Our courses are structured to provide ample opportunity for students to practise their sailing skills on the water. We have also invested heavily in our facilities and equipment. The school has a large fleet of modern yachts, which are maintained to the highest standards, ensuring students have the best possible experience when training with us.”

Based at the picturesque Hamble Point Marina, training takes

place out on the Solent and further reaches of the South Coast. This location is excellent for sail training, whether you are looking for a short taster course or a comprehensive training programme.

“A flagship programme is the Fast Track Yachtmaster Professional Sail Training, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, and for several good reasons,” said Clipper Ventures Managing Director, Chris Rushton.

“Designed to be highly comprehensive, covering a wide

range of topics that are essential for any professional sailor, skipper, or sailing instructor, the course provides students with extensive training in navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and meteorology, among other topics.

This approach ensures students are well-prepared to handle a range of situations and challenges that they may encounter in their professional sailing career - including the pathway to become a Clipper Race Skipper or First Mate.

“The course is led by highly

// BEGINNER Practical (at HSY) Start Yachting Taster Weekend First steps in learning to sail and becoming a knowledgeable and useful crew member

Online Course

Practical

Theory (at HSY)

Practical

RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship

RYA Competent Crew

RYA Day Skipper Theory

RYA Day Skipper Practical

Basic introduction to navigation and safety aimed at users of small day boats and RIBs

Become a knowledgeable and useful crew member

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Theoretical knowledge of basic seamanship, navigation and meteorology

Learn to sail and skipper small yachts in familiar waters by day

experienced and qualified sailing instructors who are committed to providing the highest quality training and support to students.

“The instructors have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry and are experts in their field. They are passionate about sailing and teaching, and their dedication to students is evident in the quality of the training provided.”

HSY employs only the best teaching staff, which includes Clipper 2023-24 Race Skippers Hannah Brewis and Max Rivers, who have both been Practical Sailing Instructors at the South Coast sailing school. All instructors are hand-picked for their ability to communicate, their knowledge and sense of humour!

Instructors receive ongoing professional development from

// INTERMEDIATE

// ADVANCED

Theory

Practical

Practical

RYA Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Theory

RYA Coastal Skipper Practical

RYA Yachtmaster Coastal Prep + MCA/ RYA Exam

Can begin to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night.

Has the knowledge and ability to skipper a yacht on coastal cruises but not necessarily the experience needed to undertake longer passages.

Theoretical knowledge of offshore and coastal navigation, pilotage and meteorology.

the Hamble School of Yachting via a programme delivered by the Chief Instructor.

Very few schools adopt this policy.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) ranks Hamble School of Yachting highly. The school has been an accredited RYA training centre since 1983 and has been consistently providing quality training ever since. l

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Practical and Exam (at HSY) RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Prep + MCA/RYA Exam A Yachtmaster is competent to skipper a cruising yacht on any passage in which the yacht is no more than 150 nautical miles from a safe haven/harbour.

Theory RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Theory Has the theoretical knowledge of astro navigation, ocean meteorology and passage planning to undertake an ocean passage.

SKIRR high-latitude expeditions give new and experienced sailors the chance to experience the Arctic in all its stunning glory

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xhilarating. Humbling. Pristine. There are few places on earth that man hasn’t been to, but sailing to the high latitudes of Iceland, Greenland, and the Arctic Circle are among the last bastions of tourism on the planet.

Answering the growing desire for people to adventure into unusual destinations and experience something so unique, the SKIRR high-latitude expeditions in 2022 and 2023 have offered crew an unmatched opportunity. Sailing quietly and not contributing anything negative in their wake to the environment, participants experience a deeper understanding of the region’s conditions and climate, and its changing landscape.

Participant Toni Wilson, from London, who completed all five legs of the SKIRR expedition and also raced in the Clipper 2017-18 Race as a Circumnavigator explains “I’d already sailed into Antarctica and so going into the Arctic seemed a great way to complete some of the things that were my aspirations. These places are pure wilderness. There aren’t many opportunities to go into the wilderness and the things you see there are just exquisite.”

SKIRR Adventures is designed as an expedition challenge. For eight weeks, the adapted Clipper 68 yachts, no strangers to the world’s most remote locations, voyage to the high latitudes, including the Scottish Isles, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland with its infamous Scoresby Sund.

The expedition yachts get to places where cruise liners cannot – this is a proper adventure. No one knows for sure what the programme will be, but if they can get through the ice these explorers may be able to step ashore.

Since the inaugural voyage, more than 90 sailors, including some former Clipper Race crew, have taken part across the five legs, witnessing the raw beauty, exhilarating sailing and untouched wildlife that only the most remote areas in the world can offer.

Crew talk vividly about their experience of seeing sea ice for the first time – there is so much beauty in the colours and shapes sculptured by the wind. The icebergs have a scale to them that is unimaginable.

Fellow explorer Rich continues “Nothing really prepares one for the reality of a huge iceberg which is larger than some islands I have visited.

The colours on the different faces and sides of the peaks, which rose to a height of over 300m, changed constantly, and the various hues of blue, until it became a pure glistening white, shone in the sunlight as we passed into the fog which is now our world.” l SKIRR Adventures provides packages for

experienced crew and for those new to sailing to boost their sailing experience, giving all the chance to explore, navigate and discover. l skirradventures.com

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“Adventure to some of the most untouched natural phenomenons on the planet.”

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WE BUILD EXPERIENCES

Clipper Events offers thrilling opportunities to get out on the water for iconic races and team building in a unique environment, with all equipment and instruction provided by its professional team 122

“This is a fresh start for Clipper Events, with a clear focus on experiences that draw on our heritage and expertise.”

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– Laura Ayres, Managing Director, Clipper Ventures

lipper Events has a clear focus on drawing on the ethos of the Clipper Race and introducing people from all walks of life to exceptional, unforgettable experiences on the water.

Combining access to record-breaking offshore racing yachts with proven, highly experienced professional Skippers and Mates, Clipper Events offers the opportunity to sail in iconic yacht races, as well as the creation of bespoke team development and corporate sailing hospitality events.

Offshore racing, it’s in our blood Imagine lining up alongside sailing legends to race in one of the world’s most famous yacht races.

Clipper Events offers the opportunity to compete in world-renowned sailing races, on board our purpose-built fleet of 68ft and 70ft offshore racing yachts that have been primed over years of racing across the world’s toughest oceans.

For both the hardened yacht racer and the weekend enthusiast, sailing offshore in varied and challenging conditions is one for the bucket list. Clipper Events had its own class of 68’ yachts in the Rolex Fastnet 2023 Race as well as Clipper 68s and 70s entered into the largest yacht race in the world: the Round the Island Race.

Clipper Events brings the experience of offshore at a 40-degree angle with a safe, all-inclusive and professionally staffed racing experience. For certain races, the necessary training courses delivered by Hamble School of Yachting are included as part of the race package, along with Musto team kit to keep, foulweather clothing to use on board, and catering during the event.

Vincent Sorrel, an Alumni crew member who completed training for the Fastnet Race with Hamble School of Yachting, said: “My Fastnet training weekend was not only beneficial for improving my sailing skills but also served as

a reminder of the valuable transferable skills that can be applied to everyday life and the professional world. Incorporating these principles into our lives can lead to better outcomes and help us navigate challenges with confidence and competence.”

Keeping competitive racing fun Clipper Events is centred not only on offering competitive racing experiences, but holds community and the social element of racing in high regard.

The Knox-Johnston Cup, which launched in 2022, offers participants a fun weekend of big boat racing, where no experience is necessary before stepping on board. It’s an exciting mash-up of part of the iconic Round The Island Race route with the added thrill of a take on Clipper Race tactical features; a Scoring Gate, a Sprint, and the Joker. The race aims to provide some seriously fast, tactical and competitive racing while focusing on reigniting the social side of yacht racing. This makes it the perfect opportunity for friends, families, businesses and those wanting to sample the experience of big boat racing to do so in a social, fun and supportive environment. l Join the waitlist for autumn 2024 by emailing

events@clipper-ventures.com

Swap the office for the ocean From boosting employee engagement, to honing the skills of a leadership team, or simply rewarding people for their hard work, Clipper Events tailors sailing experiences to meet the needs of a business, creating a shared experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

Mission Performance has utilised Clipper Events’ unique sailing platform for several years to deliver exceptional learning programmes for its clients. Rob Lewis, Founding Director at Mission Performance, said: “We take the client’s learning outcomes and feed it into the brief for the three-

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day programme we run. Teams are given a brief the day before they go sailing, and have to develop their strategy which is honed based on values.

The following day we get out on the water with the Skippers and, following a safety brief, everyone gets to grips with the different roles on the yacht.

“The roles on board relate to the roles in business. For example, the CEO might be the navigator and so on: it’s a real microcosm of how a business works, and stresses the importance of departments communicating and the impact this can have on morale. In the afternoon, the teams execute their strategy and gain points for passing buoys, manoeuvres, rotating leadership roles and a range of other points. Following a debrief, this is then synced with the rest of the development programme with our client.

“Sailing is the ideal platform because learning outcomes are reinforced in a very sophisticated and experiential way – it’s all about reinforcing the message of not thinking about where you want to be, but where you add the greatest value.” l If you want to get involved in an iconic race, or

design a bespoke day out on the water, contact events@clipper-ventures.com or visit clipperevents.com

“The importance of the social side of yacht racing shouldn’t be underestimated, it plays a significant role in attracting people to the sport and I still meet some of these people I socialised with after racing some 60 years on!”

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- Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Clipper China launched to meet the huge and growing appetite for water sport activities

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SAILING INTO SUCCESS

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ailing in China has been growing at a very fast pace in recent years and the population has participated in and supported more water sport activities than ever before. In comparison to the few regattas held a decade ago, there are now more than 100 regattas across the country every year. The CYA expects to see over 400 yacht clubs with more than 150,000 sailing participants by 2025, an increase of 150 per cent on the current level.

Clipper Ventures established Clipper China to meet the country’s growing participation in sailing. It was created to become the industry leader in the development of offshore sail training and sailing events across China. It will provide sail training academies and experience days that offer Chinese Yachting Association (CYA) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Keelboat and Sail Cruising.

In its commitment to excellence and development, Clipper China is building its own one-design keelboats – the Clipper 7 for fun, introductory inshore sailing and the Clipper 12 for the more demanding offshore

racing and longer passages. Designed for and built exclusively for Clipper China, the fleets will be the backbone of the new training academies and will also make their mark in competitive regattas. Each new design has completed rigorous sea trials and are now in production ready for the new academies.

The academies will run two different schemes: The Clipper 7 Keelboat Scheme: Comprising a series of two-day courses, the scheme enables customers to progress quickly from beginner to expert in a controlled, safe and enjoyable environment.

The Clipper 12 Sail Cruising Scheme: A progressive sail training ladder designed to take customers from beginner to experienced, with a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge, and based on the success of the programme established at Hamble School of Yachting (P xx-xx) As a result of the Clipper Race being the most well-known offshore sailing brand in China, its reputation and relationship with both the CYA and RYA and industryleading expertise at HSY, Clipper China has

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Kicker: Caption in here please thanks thankssss

recently signed a five-year partnership with the CYA that was announced at the 10th Members Meeting of the CYA. The partnership has been created to develop structured training (including the RYA scheme and the development of its own Clipper China scheme), deliver offshore safety courses and the education of instructors and offshore race management teams.

General Manager of Clipper China, Yan Hu, said: “Post pandemic there is a significant appetite from across the population in being outdoors – especially by the cleaner coastal air,

taking on adventures and learning new skills. It is a really exciting time to be at the centre of sail development in China. We are in the final stages of negotiations with multiple coastal cities of China and expect the first of the new Clipper China academies to be opening in 2024.”

Clipper China’s journey is a testament to the spirit of exploration, innovation, and determination. As the sails catch the winds of change, Clipper China’s voyage unfolds with promise, setting sail towards a new era of maritime distinction in China. l

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//LONG-TERM AIMS Over the next ten years, the Clipper China aims to: l Establish coastal and

inshore sailing academies throughout China l Build two classes of yachts, the Clipper 7 and Clipper 12 l Develop strategic partnerships with cities and major companies l Develop one design inshore and offshore regattas

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE OCEAN RACING WORLD Mother Nature is more than just harsh conditions – crew witness her beauty too

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t’s hard to put into words the incredible moments that intrepid Clipper Race 2019-20 race crew experienced when at sea. Skies painted with brightly lit stars, the sheer power of towering waves, drifting alongside dolphins in The Doldrums. Ocean racing enables people to encounter true wilderness, and all of the wonders that come with it.

//BIRD LIFE “An albatross does it for me really. It touches my heart. It's one of the reasons why I love to be in the Southern Ocean or in the North Pacific, although it's really tough out there.

But watching those graceful birds, when they are gliding along big waves, it's just beautiful and so graceful. You barely see them flapping their wings and I will never, ever forget what it looks like, because it's only something you see there. It's something you don't get to see anywhere else in the world.”

Bettina Neid, Circumnavigator from Austria on Dare To Lead

//THE WEATHER

“For me I was very impressed by the weather. I think back to running down, with a spinnaker sheet in my hand, with strong winds and lightning all around us. It's just magic. And you realise that you're really, really, really small.”

Karolina Jonason Isberg from Sweden, Legs 7 and 8 on Qingdao

//OCEAN SCALE

“When we sail across the oceans, we go into places that are so remote. One of the things that I remember was sailing in the Roaring Forties. We were in one of the most isolated places on the planet. There was talk that the International Space Station was closer to us than any other landmass. We didn't see another ship or another boat, and hardly saw any planes. There was nothing out there that was for mankind, and it felt quite special. It didn't feel lonely at all because I had my team.

But it did feel very isolated, it really did.”

Heather Broadbent, Circumnavigator from the UK, on GoToBermuda

//WAVES

“The waves were steep. And so you wonder, okay, here comes this huge wave. How do we get from the bottom of it all the way up there? Then the next thing you know, it's up against you. You're standing on top of the wave. You're looking all around the ocean.

And then five seconds later, you're down in the valley surrounded by waves, and the wind’s gotten quieter because you're down among these giant waves and you're hiding in between them.”

Jody Shaw from the USA, Legs 1,2,3,5,6,7,8 on Qingdao

//STARS AND THE SKY

“You look up and there are stars everywhere – it's almost light because it's so starry. It's like a carpet of stars that you have above you. It’s just stars everywhere. And that's not even talking about the shooting stars. If you wished on every one of those, you’d run out of wishes very soon!”

Ben Deifel, Circumnavigator from Germany, on WTC Logistics

//DOLPHINS AND SEA LIFE “We’d left Fremantle and were heading down towards the Southern Ocean. On Christmas Day, we were joined by a pod of dolphins – there must have been 5,000 dolphins – all chasing the boat. And they were like keen dogs, you know, Labradors – I've never seen anything like it. And they just looked like they were trying to get to us, to join us and say Happy Christmas.

They stayed with us for about 15 or 20 minutes. And then as fast as they came, they were gone. It was absolutely mind-blowing.”

//PHOSPHORESCENCE “The only way to experience this phenomena is to go to sea, and see the night-time phosphorescence and dolphins. When it's dark, there are stars in the sky and all of a sudden there's these jets of lightning through the water, where you get these kinds of streaks of phosphorescence and glowing dolphins.”

Rachel Burgess, Circumnavigator from the UK, on board WTC Logistics

Heather Broadbent, Circumnavigator from the UK, on GoToBermuda

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RACE TRAINING Your four stage route to getting ship-shape for a thrilling adventure

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Getting to grips with sailing at an angle

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utelage, education and preparation, physical training and drills…not for the faint hearted, this is where the adventure begins. Every crew member, regardless of previous sailing experience, is required to complete four levels of the pioneering Clipper Race Training that enables them to tackle the most challenging situations that Mother Nature can present.

The Clipper Race is recognised as one of the most physically and mentally challenging ocean races on the planet.

Crew expect to experience all types of situations, from roaring waves and high winds, to a wind hole where you go nowhere fast. Being prepared to safely deal with all situations is paramount to the safety of the entire team, and a nonnegotiable element of taking part in the Clipper Race.

Each training course lasts a week and is an intense and challenging experience. All crew are constantly progressing and striving throughout the training to ensure the very highest level is achieved. Working with professional Training Skippers and First Mates on board 68ft and 70ft yachts, you will become competent, safe and efficient Race Crew.

Kirsty Squires, Clipper Race Training Principal, talks of how important the training is to the experience of the Clipper Race crew: “Clipper Race Training is an integral part of your Clipper Race adventure, and is where the fun begins!” she said.

“We have crew from all walks of life, all different nationalities, and it’s incredible to see so many different people come together and be able to work as a team.

Clipper Race Training is where all crew

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“To see the transformation in the crew on the final day of Level One Training is wonderful”

– Kirsty Squires

Time for some racing in Level Four Training

What can you expect from the Clipper Race Training?

Level 1: Know your knots!

This is where you will learn the fundamentals of sailing. How to safely navigate your way around a Clipper Race yacht.

You also get measured for your Clipper Race Musto kit.

Level 2: Taking you to the next level! This is where you will start to experience sailing at an angle for long periods of time. This is the first time you will sail through the night, as you work in your watch systems.

learn the principles of good seamanship, and where we teach you everything you need to know to get you race ready.

“The training is just as important as the Clipper Race itself, and if you work hard, keep practising and revising, knowledge is limitless!”

The first week of training (Level 1) is always one of the most exciting levels.

Some crew may have never stepped foot on a boat before, and so many arrive with excited apprehension, but leave beaming with pride and confidence.

Kirsty recalls: “To see the transformation in the crew on the final day of Level 1 Training is wonderful.

Hearing about what they have learnt and also the bonds that they have built with their fellow crew, it’s something really special. It really is a privilege to meet so many wonderful people, and an honour to be a part of their Clipper Race journey,

which will inevitably be a life-changing experience for them!”

The Clipper Race Training Skippers are highly qualified and experienced sailors who carry a wealth of knowledge and sailing experience. Most of them have either sailed as an AQP or Skipper on previous race editions, or have been crew in previous Clipper Races.

“We’re lucky enough to have superb training instructors, with vast experience,” added Kirsty. “Some of our instructors have completed the Clipper Race themselves, sailed through iceberg-ladened waters on SKIRR Adventures, cruised the remote shores of the Galapagos, and have even bravely conquered Cape Horn (to name a few).

“So not only do the crew get to benefit from all this experience, but they are in line for some truly inspiring and incredible stories.” l

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Level 3: Asymmetric Spinnaker Training! Now you will be confident in your skills and knowledge to safely sail a Clipper Racing yacht, it’s time to learn how to make it move with speed and agility.

Be prepared for a fast, fun and rewarding sailing experience.

Level 4: Racing fever!

By now you have the knowledge and skills to safely sail and now it is time for some fun, race strategy and team cohesion. This is the first time you will race as a member of your team on your yacht as you compete against the rest of the fleet offshore.

BEHIND THE LENS How On Board Reporters capture the essence of the Clipper Race

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t’s been ten years since videographer and producer, Brian Carlin, participated on the Clipper 2013-14 Race as an On Board Reporter (OBR). The footage he captured is still used today to inspire future adventurers to sail around the world. A decade on, he is returning to work with the race again but this time managing the content production for all of Clipper Ventures, with fellow videographer and producer, Marc Bow, for the newly formed company, 16 Degrees South, named after the co-ordinates where they met when Marc came to Brian’s rescue during a leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Brian has pretty much worked on all the major sailing events including Sail GP, Ocean Race, America’s Cup, Vendee Globe and the Olympic Games. Being an OBR is an endurance skill in its own right, suffering hurricane force winds, surfing 40ft waves, going from searing heat to frigid cold – all while keeping your camera rolling.

We caught up with Brian to delve through his archives and find out the story behind some of the awe-inspiring photography from his time on the 2013-14 edition. On being an OBR, Brian explains: “I have stuck with working in the sailing industry because it's unpredictable. You never know what's going to happen. It doesn't matter how well you plan a shoot, it always changes and I think that's the challenge. That we have to adapt constantly.

“It's no different than sailing itself. Nothing ever happens like it's meant to. And it's being able to deal with it and having a skill set to be able to overcome the challenges.

You could do snooker, you could do football matches, but you know after 90 minutes it's finished. Sailing is constantly evolving, constantly changing and it never ever works out the way you think it will. But that also is part of the enjoyment. Because it never gets boring.” l l To view the best of the images coming back from the

racing fleet visit clipperroundtheworld.com/news/gallery

//WHERE: THE DOLDRUMS //ROUTE: UK TO SOUTH AMERICA

“This is The doldrums at nighttime when the boat is pretty flat. I decided to use this slow shutter technique, which I’d played with when I was in university.

“On this race, I had time to be more creative and do some light painting. I used a 30 second shutter and then painted over people’s positions on the boat.

“This is a very unique type of shot that you wouldn’t normally get, but in The Doldrums you can because the flat calm means a flat boat.”

//WHERE: BAY OF BISCAY //ROUTE: FRANCE TO BRAZIL

“This was the biggest leg of my entire life, which was 29 days from Brest to Rio. The Bay of Biscay is notorious for its bad weather. We had 25 to 30 knots, maybe four or five metre waves. I’m up on deck, with a waterproof housing and just living the downwind dream. And that was the very first evening of our trip to Rio. And then we spent almost a month racing across the Atlantic.”

//WHERE: RACE 1 //ROUTE: LONDON TO BREST

“It’s hard enough when you’re attached to a piece of rope, up that high and the boat is moving and you’re swinging around, trying to hold on. And then you have got to try to take a photograph too. The view is amazing, obviously, and you get a perspective that nobody else gets – not even a drone can get this type of perspective because you’re attached to the mast. It’s very hard because you have to get your feet out of the way of the shot as well and try to focus on the shot below.”

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RACING TO GREATNESS 140

Nikki Henderson shares her insight of being a Race Skipper and how it has helped break down barriers in a male-dominated sport

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ikki Henderson was just 23 years old when she embarked on the Clipper 2017-18 Race, making her the youngest ever Skipper to take part in the event.

With Nikki at the helm, she successfully took her Seattle team to second place in the overall rankings. Battling her to the finish line was Wendy Tuck, who became the first ever female Skipper to win a round the world yacht race.

Following the race, Nikki was awarded the prestigious Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) Yachtsman of the Year Award for making history.

We caught up with Nikki five years on from her epic achievement to hear her reflections on the race and words of advice for this year’s Skippers.

How much have you thought back on the race? Do you miss certain elements?

The race changed my life, definitely. I still see a lot of the Skippers from my race and when we meet we all talk about how much we miss the community. Being a Skipper on the Clipper Race, you realise there’s very few situations in the rest of the industry where you have so many colleagues that you’re working with in the same position. I was recently joking with Dale (Smyth) about it and how on our race we’d look at each other from across the dock and, without saying anything, we’d understand what the other was feeling.

There’s something about the spirit of sailing and the beauty of racing – it’s really unique in comparison to other sports. The seamanship element is very important. We’re all racing against each other and we want to beat each other, but if anything happens to a team, we’re going to stop and go and help them. I can’t think of an equivalent. If someone is running the marathon and one of your competitors falls over, you don’t stop and help them, you just run faster and win.

The camaraderie is unique to sailing.

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What are your recollections on how close the last race with Wendy was (Clipper 2017-18)?

It came down to the wire, to the last race. She matched me all the way. In that final race I felt such a massive sense of responsibility. It almost felt like I was embodying every young woman who wants to achieve something. On the same level as a man.

When I came second and didn’t win, I remember first thinking, gosh, I’ve failed all the little girls, all the women who were looking at me. That, in itself, took a long time to get over.

I went on and looked for ways to inspire and set an example. I sailed with Maiden. Then one of the most meaningful things I did was sail with a charity that took teenagers racing. I took a mixed team on the Fastnet and then an all female youth team for a Middle Sea Race.

Do you still see challenges for women in the sailing industry?

It’s currently still a male dominated world but the best teams are definitely 50-50. What I’ve realised is that female leadership is what is really needed – that’s what makes a difference. What that does is changes people’s views of women sailors. It changes male views of women. That’s how you level the playing field.

The story is not done, but the tone has changed.

When I started sailing professionally, the tone was more like, whoa, there’s a woman Skipper. It was almost a surprise. What we need to look at now is celebrating these women, with no shock in them being women and achieving something.

Do you believe in the sentiment ‘you have to see it to be it’?

Definitely. I am jealous of someone who’s 18 now because they have female role models in sailing, who they can aspire to be. It’s not just about female role models who have the career you want, but it’s about female role models who are living the life you want. I remember being younger and saying to my mum that the problem I have is that there’s no one living the life I want to live. I want to be a professional and stay in that industry, but I also want to have a family and have a partner and have a home life. That now is starting to exist, and that’s a conversation that’s being had all over the industry. That’s where it’s starting to change.

We have two female Skippers taking part in this edition - Hannah Brewis and Ineke van der Weijden. Do you think they are feeling any pressure?

All they should do is what every Skipper would do and that’s do the best that they can. They will send the right message. Run the race campaign they want and be true to themselves.

One of our First Mates is someone you know really well, Ella Hebron. You mentored Ella through the Magenta Project. How proud are you of her and what she has ahead?

I’m so proud and not surprised that she got the job on the race.

The Magenta Project was started by the group of women on Team USA, the all female Volvo Ocean Race campaign. Professional sailors and women working in the sailing industry are paired with young women at earlier stages in their career to mentor them. What was great with Ella was that she clearly had the skills and she did this all herself. But sometimes it means a lot to have someone to help you with your confidence.

By competing in the Clipper Race, hopefully Ella will have a great sense of achievement. This race and sailing in general has an amazing way of holding a mirror up and showing you where your strengths and your weaknesses lie. And I think that building

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Nikki, Greta and Svante Thunberg on board Malizia II, a 18 m (60 ft) racing yacht that was built for roundthe-world challenges

self-awareness so young is hugely valuable to you later in life. Whatever happens on the race, and wherever she goes in her career, she’ll come out of it an exceptionally mature person for her age and also hopefully have had some fun as well.

You sailed across the Atlantic with Greta Thunberg. How did it feel to be involved in something as high profile as that trip?

Well, it’s quite funny because when you sail around the world with the Clipper Race, you have basically done the hardest job in the world.

So when you then sail across the Atlantic on a comfortable catamaran and people say ‘Oh my goodness’ it’s like it was as hard as the North Pacific! I went on that trip because I am really interested in leadership and she was someone who was younger than me, who I felt I could learn from. I was interested to see how someone so young was being heard. I didn’t really realise there was going to be noise until about 12 hours before I left the dock and suddenly I was like, OK, this is a big deal.

I came off the boat thinking man, it must be so

great to have something in your life that you are so unbelievably passionate about and you are solely driven by that. It was an intense experience.

What would you say to someone who is worried to make a change in their life?

It's the message that the Clipper Race sends but I’d like to reinforce that. Your life is yours. We never know how long we're going to be on this planet.

Irrespective of whatever chips on your shoulder you have, or whatever baggage you have, or how many people have told you you can or can't do things, it's our responsibility to live our life for us. So if that's doing a leg on the Clipper Race, or pursuing a sailing career, or having kids and staying at home, I would just encourage people to do what they want – for themselves.

Why are you not doing it? Is it because of your ego, you're afraid of either looking silly or what people might think of you, or disappointing someone? Why are you scared about doing something that your heart really wants to do?

People who truly love you want you to be happy.

So just go for it. l

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Celebrating the ultimate podium place at the end of the 2017-18 edition

RACE RULES

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esigned to be equally matched – from the one design ocean racing fleet to the balance of crew on board – the Clipper Race is won through tactics, commitment, a dash of luck, and points scored.

Rules are set and managed by the Race Committee according to Racing Rules of Sailing, and Clipper Race Rules, which include Sailing Instructions and Course Instructions.

Race points There are eleven teams competing in the 2023-24 edition, and 14 individual races within eight legs.

Race position points are awarded to each team. The winning team of each individual race is awarded eleven points, second place gets ten points and so on, down to one point for the team in eleventh place.

Race position points are doubled when a team plays its joker. The team must declare its intention before the individual race starts and may only play its Joker once during the circumnavigation.

In addition, teams may gain bonus points at strategically placed Scoring Gates or by winning Ocean Sprints

within each individual race. These points are not affected by the Joker.

The Ocean Sprint is a time trial between two pre-set lines of longitude or latitude. The fastest three teams are awarded three, two, or one point respectively.

The Scoring Gate is a virtual line between two points some distance from the race rhumb line which teams can choose to cross, or not. The first three teams to cross are awarded three, two, or one point respectively.

Points may also be deducted for infringing the race rules or damaging general equipment or sails. Damage or loss to safety equipment is not affected. Penalty points are calculated and advised following each leg.

At the end of each of the individual races, the three podium-placed teams are awarded a race pennant, which is displayed in each stopover.

At the end of the circumnavigation, the team with the highest number of points overall wins the Clipper Race trophy.

Stealth Mode This tactical move allows each team to hide its position from the rest of the fleet for a period of 24 hours.

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Up to two stealth modes may be available depending on the length of the race and they can be used back-to-back.

Stealth Mode does not have to be used but can definitely give an advantage during a race, especially when the Race Skipper and navigators on board think they have spotted something in the weather reports that other teams may not have seen.

The Clipper Race Office will still track the team’s position every hour, but its progress will be hidden from the rest of the world.

Stealth Mode adds an extra dose of inter-team competitiveness and a further strategic element to the circumnavigation. l

// DON’T MISS A BEAT OF THE ACTION Follow the yachts as they sail around the world on the Clipper Race Viewer which tracks their position hourly as well as their leader board place.

ENGINEERED QUALITY FOR BEAUTIFUL BOATS AND BUILDINGS. Proud to celebrate our third edition as the Official Standing Rigging Supplier to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

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WE GET YOUR TEAM THERE,

NO MATTER WHAT!

BEHIND THE SCENES A keen sense of adventure and passion for the outdoors lies behind the Clipper Race management team

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ngaging in extreme adventure activities such as the Clipper Race takes mental strength as well as motivation to tackle the challenge. But who are the people behind the scenes that make the Clipper Race happen?

Staff at Clipper Ventures are adventurous by nature; curious about the world around them and are always seeking new experiences and knowledge. Some have trekked remote and challenging paths such as the Karakoram and Kilimanjaro mountain ranges and to Everest Base Camp. Many have previously participated as Race Crew and more than half have lived and worked abroad spanning 30 different nations, which brings a rich understanding of culture, experience and diversity to the team.

Della Parsons, Crew Recruitment Director One of the most influential people in the company, Della has twice circumnavigated the world as a Race Crew member following a successful career as a BBC producer. To date, she will have

interviewed or offered a berth place to more than 5,000 people since she joined in 2014.

“Flexibility is key,” she said. “Like many adventurous people, I believe in being adaptable and able to adjust to changing circumstances and unexpected situations. My personal experience on the Clipper Race grew my mental resilience. Participants in the race will face a variety of challenges and obstacles, both on and off the water. This resilience is essential to cope with the demands of the race and to overcome setbacks and challenges.

“Sailing remains an important part of my life, as well as skiing, with my family and friends. I love adventure because it’s a step into the unknown, a voyage of discovery – often of new places, frequently meeting new people and always about learning – mainly about yourself.”

Grace Kitching, Race Manager Like Grace, adventurous people are often willing to take risks, whether it be trying new things or taking on challenging endeavours. When Grace swapped her job and commute for

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a Race Crew place in the 2015-16 edition, what was ahead would take her out of her comfort zone.

“I have always enjoyed team sport, predominantly hockey and horse riding, but I had never taken on a major challenge,” she said. “With friends who had run marathons, climbed mountains and travelled the world, I was itching for a change both personally and professionally. It can also be a risk in terms of your career, but I looked at it as an investment in myself. The ‘yes’ mentality that came with signing up to take part has since opened many doors for me.”

As Race Manager, Grace manages the day-to-day running of race operations for the 700 Race Crew in port, immigration control, on-theground access to medical services, victualling and tourism opportunities.

This is on top of daily communication with the yachts while racing, collecting schedules, location data and messages back to the Race Office.

Matt Pettit, Race Operations and Logistics Manager The logistics involved when organising an event such as the Clipper Race

Image: Matt Weale

Danielle Wickham make for a large-scale operation. The core part of Matt’s remit is to oversee the movement of all the supplies, replacement parts, tools and branding which criss-cross the globe and must arrive in each Host Port ahead of the fleet. As a key part of the Race Team, this is just one element of his extremely varied job.

“It’s tough both physically and mentally, but many adventurous activities require physical and mental strength, such as endurance, resilience and problem-solving skills, as well as a lot of planning!” he said.

“The Clipper Race is a marathon race over eleven months and, behind the scenes, the work does not stop when the race finishes. In reality, we start planning each circumnavigation a couple of years in advance.

“I approach life with an adventurous but also laid-back mindset. I’m always willing to try new sports and new adventures to get the adrenaline up and the blood pumping. I keep a similar approach to work. When I

am out on a site or in the office I am focused on the work at hand, but also try to not let things get under my skin. I’m a keen traveller, always looking for the next destination and always looking for an adventure in the different Host Port stopovers.”

India Leigh, Partnerships and Events Manager Clipper Race staff are famously open to the unknown and are not afraid of uncertainty, which is another adventurous trait; they are comfortable stepping outside of their comfort zones.

India did the Mongol Rally aged 22 and it set the tone for the rest of her adventures. Before joining Clipper Ventures, she worked on events in the Middle East within the live music industry, then within adventure travel and delivering incredible experiences in some of the most inaccessible corners of the earth.

Now, with a focus on the race’s Host Ports, her role includes managing

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every aspect of the fleet’s arrival for both the Race Crew, their supporters and the Race Partners, who activate in countries on the Clipper Race route.

Danielle Wickham, Senior Communications Officer A passionate surfer, rock climber and filling her free time with anything that gets her outside, Danni is not afraid of uncertainty and is comfortable stepping outside of her comfort zone.

“Working at Clipper Ventures with like-minded people who share this love of the outdoors, means I can be myself at work, harness my creativity and constantly be in a changing and dynamic environment, much like the ocean and natural world,” she said.

“The nature of my job and the Clipper Race means never sitting still – something I’m not very good at! I love how storytelling is at the core of my job, meeting people from all walks of life, telling their unique stories. Seeing how the Clipper Race changes lives is incredible.”

“Adventures include surfing in Tasmania, cycling the Coast-To-Coast with a group of amazing women and climbing Ben Nevis in winter.”

The growing team share a passion for adventure, which means bringing the qualities needed to successfully engage in extreme activities into work. Our shared goal is to make the world’s most notorious and remote oceans accessible to everyone: battle extreme weather, conditions and challenges. l l To find out more about roles,

including on-the-water opportunities, visit the jobs section at clipper-ventures.com.

RACE VIEWER W

Every tack, gybe and strategic move, never miss a beat of the action ith the entire Clipper Race fleet at your fingertips, track the hourly realtime position and course of all eleven ocean racing yachts as they battle their way around the world on an eleven-month global adventure. The Race Viewer works using an array of cutting edge, onboard GPS trackers which send periodic position, speed and bearing updates from each yacht, allowing for accurate plotting of each team’s race progress.

Bespoke to the Clipper Race, the online Race Viewer has been tried and tested in excess of 160,000 nautical miles of ocean racing. Now in its fifth edition, the tracker effectively enables followers to track the teams’ location 24 hours a day, over the 228 days of racing, on both desktop and mobile devices.

Race Viewer also has a private race management system, paramount for ensuring the safety of the fleet, allowing the Clipper Race Team at HQ to interpret the data and track each yacht’s progress closely.

For followers interested in the finer detail, a host of tools are available which give greater context to any tactical decisions made by

each team. Weather layers can be activated to show current and forecasted wind, swell, air pressure and temperature and even an enhanced rewind feature so followers can catch up on any racing action they may have missed.

Addictive viewing Be warned, Race Viewer makes for addictive viewing, with many Race Crew Supporters reporting in with RaceViewer fever. A testament to its success, during the previous edition of the race, the Race Viewer regularly received in excess of 30,000 page

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views a day globally from more than 170 different countries.

For the 2023-24 edition, Race Viewer will be active from Sunday 1 September until the end of the eleven month circumnavigation covering more than 40,000 nautical miles and attracting a huge global audience, with many arranging their daily routine around the hourly updates. l l Track the fleet as they race around the globe at clipperroundtheworld. com/raceviewer

The Clipper Race enables people from all walks of life and around the world to experience something extraordinary, and changes the lives of both the intrepid Race Crew and the communities that they visit. Read more about the impact of the race P17-19.

“Dare To Lead will race with courage and compassion, embarking on an adventure for good that strengthens friendship bonds and leaves a positive impact on the world.”

– Dare To Lead Race Skipper, Ryan Gibson

THE CHIEF SUPPORT

360º discovers the role friends and family play in boosting the morale of Race Crew, and why that makes them an important part of the Clipper Race family

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icky Miller has witnessed the adventures the Clipper Race brings from many shores around the world. While her husband Mike (Miller, now a Clipper Race Skipper) took on the 2017-18 edition as a round the world crew member, she was travelling from port to port to welcome him, cheering on from the UK in between. And, of course, always with one eye on the Race Viewer when back at home. Nicky understands how important it is to feel in contact with loved ones while at sea. It is now her job to help Race Crew Supporters feel as close to the experience as possible.

Nicky explains: “I had a fantastic year, meeting the yachts at pretty much every stopover on the race.

I really felt involved – helping the crew, pitching in with collecting supplies, whatever was needed.

It was a great adventure not only for my husband, but for me as well. Mike decided not to return to his previous career, upgraded his sailing qualifications and joined the 2019-20 edition, initially as a First

“I was at pretty much every stopover, helping the crew. It was a great adventure”

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// NEVER MISS A BEAT OF THE ACTION l You can track the fleet online at clipperroundtheworld.com/raceviewer and follow every exhilarating moment around the world l Sign up to receive regular updates as

the teams take on the world’s toughest oceans and extreme conditions l Read all the Race Crew and Skipper blogs online l Watch the yachts’ arrivals and departures via the Facebook live feed: facebook.com/clipperracelive l For more information, visit clipperroundtheworld.com.

Mate and, after the race restarted, as a Race Skipper. I resumed my enthusiastic supporters role – for Mike but also for all supporters in my position as Coordinator. It’s so exciting that we are both involved in different ways.”

Nicky’s role makes her the first point of contact for all supporters of crew; be it parents, children, partners, siblings, friends – anyone who knows someone who is taking part in the race. She sends out updates, runs drop-in events in stopovers, and is available via email to help answer any questions or concerns that may crop up.

She added: “What is important to remember is our Race Crew are off on their exciting adventure and their loved ones are left at home, living their normal lives, only with the

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person sailing being absent.

“My role helps to foster a networking community, both online and in ports, so those remaining on dry land still feel like an active part of the Clipper Race family.”

Supporters wanting news about their loved ones will be reassured to know that keeping in touch doesn’t mean having to be at every stopover.

Every little message and phone call makes a difference and there are plenty of ways for supporters to keep an eye on the Clipper Race progress from anywhere in the world.

Anyone under the age of 16 with family on board can become a Junior Crew Supporter, which offers them a chance to be involved in a range of challenges and activities, to help make the race come alive for them. l

CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME

Find out why these crew members are taking on the race of their lives…

George Coldham, 27, Software Consultant, British, Circumnavigator I decided at University to save for and work towards this. I’m into anything that involves a little bit of adrenaline. I’m looking forward to seeing different perspectives as a result of the race.

Dianne McGrath, 53, Consultant, Mars One astronaut candidate, Australian, Circumnavigator I have long dreamed of travelling the world using natural resources.

As part of a special community of 100 Mars astronaut candidates worldwide, I know of the unique bond that can grow within teams.

Timo Wassermeier, 33, Marketing Strategist, German, Leg 1 Achieving something as a team is very desirable to me, I believe it binds people and helps you overcome struggles and fears that you might face in your journey and you’re all in it together.

Na Kyung Lee, 37, Actuary, Korean, Circumnavigator As the first Korean woman to circumnavigate by sea, I feel pride and determination to push myself beyond my limits and inspire others to pursue their dreams with hard work and perseverance.

Lorenzo Gaudenzi, 33, Italian, Circumnavigator We as humans are programmed to take the easy choice but we are capable of much more. I look forward to this adventure, it’s the most extreme thing that we can do.

Mabs Elhahi, 42, Emergency Medicine Practitioner, British, Leg 4 One of my life goals is to be a proficient Yachtmaster. The Clipper Race will help sharpen my sailing skills and actively work with nature rather than just being a passenger.

Jun Gao, 39, Technology Product Manager, Chinese, Circumnavigator My fondest memories are all associated with the ocean. I don’t think it’s fair to love the ocean only for its tranquil side. I want to experience the challenging side to appreciate her true force.

Leandre Terblanche, 34, Company Director, South African, Leg 4 I am an ordinary person with an extraordinary determination to succeed. This adventure will challenge me to learn more about myself and my capabilities.

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