Clipper Race: Joining the world’s biggest sailing challenge.


Unparalleled in its grandeur, test of endurance, and prestige in sailing, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a much-awaited sporting event that involves eight legs around the world onboard a fleet of identical yachts.  The race, conceived in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, ran every two years from 1996 to 2002, skipped a year, and then ran subsequent races starting in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2017.


The crew members, who can sign up for the whole race or just one or more legs, need not be professional yacht racers.  In the past, qualified crew members ranged from housewives and office workers to chief executives and seasoned athletes, demonstrating that credentials aren’t what it takes to make it; it’s all about outwitting and conquering the ocean and facing Mother Nature in its most challenging.


On the Clipper Race website, interested individuals may request an application pack or book an interview.  Clipper Race crew must undergo four levels of mandatory training before the race, with each level taking a week to complete.  Training is held in Gosport, United Kingdom, as well as in Sydney, Australia, and will teach set procedures and standards for a fun, safe experience around the world.


The next race will have a global route similar to the 2017-2018 edition, with final destinations being announced in the lead up to the competition.  To join the race entails not just going through standard application and training procedure, but also requires the heart and passion for sailing that will make one last until the end.


James Feldkamp is currently the Lead Consultant for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at Complete Threat Preparedness.  He is a lifelong learner and a sailing enthusiast.  More on James and his interests here.

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