A couple of years ago I first heard about the Clipper Race. A race around the world similar to the (Volvo) Ocean Race but with amateurs rather than professional sailors.
People like you and me, with or without sailing experience can sign up for the “Race of their Life”..
Somebody was swept overboard and passed away somewhere in the Pacific. My first thought was “Crazy people to go sailing around the world without any experience”. I did not dwell on it too much and life moved on.
A couple of years later my world was turned upside down after the passing of my son George (06/11/2015-30/11/2015) and I left the ‘traditional’ life to start sailing full-time.
In my plan B my biggest dream is to race around the world and since “they” (whomever that may be) think I am too old and inexperienced for the Ocean Race I shift focus to Clipper.
Long story short: I am currently working as a First Mate and just finished 4 training weeks preparing ‘amateurs’ for a leg during the current edition of the race (‘19-‘20).
Anybody who wants to do the race has to do 4 levels (weeks) of training before they are allowed to do 1 or more legs. During the training they are introduced to sailing, get to know the boats and learn how to work together with crew from all over the world. Most importantly, you are trained to be safe on a raceboat under any circumstances.
Rest assure you: Clipper is not a ‘blue monday’ company. The owner is Sir Robin Knox, a worldfamous sailor with limitless passion to make the sport accesible to anybody who is willing to put in the effort.
Don’t forget sailing around the world is an extreme sport and this means accidents can happen. Nature can be relentless. But I am impressed with the program and I am very proud to be part of the Clipper team. They go far and beyond to make people as safe as can be.
I met such great people already! All with different (life) stories. All with their own reason to join. It was awesome to see them grow and it was great to be part of the start of their journey. I can’t wait to follow their boat the next couple of months.
And in the meantime my dream to race around the world as a skipper has come within grasp. It both makes me proud and scares the sh*t out of me.
But I am willing. Willing to work my ass off and be the best I can be to make next edition race an unforgettable journey for the crew on my boat aswel as for myself. I have much to learn but also loads to give.
It is a great feeling to have a goal in life again. One I can persue with passion, determination and enthousiasm. I love sharing my knowledge while learning at the same time and I can’t wait to be ready in about 18 months to start the ‘Journey of a Lifetime’.
I don’t even mind the cold sailing around the Solent at this time of the year.
.. and that says a lot.
For more information: Clipper Round the World
Angelasails.com 