Clipper Race Reveals History-Making Skipper Line Up

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has revealed its most diverse ever line-up of professional skippers who will lead their amateur crews in the tenth edition of the world famous challenge, prescription setting sail on August 30, 2015.   

For the first time in the Clipper Race’s nineteen year history, the group of twelve professionals includes two women skippers, from Canada and Australia, and the first ever skippers to represent France and Ukraine/Germany. The UK is also strongly represented with skippers from Scotland, Somerset, Cornwall and Hampshire.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Clipper Race founder and Chairman, said: “In preparation for our tenth edition Clipper Race, I feel very proud to welcome our most diverse and international group of race skippers yet.

“This is the first time we’ve had two women skippers in one race and I very much hope they will inspire future female participation. I’m also delighted to see the Clipper Race broadening its professional appeal as we welcome our first French and first Ukrainian/German skippers.”

Adding, he said: “Clipper Race crew come from all over the world so I’m pleased to reflect this in our leadership. I look forward to working with all our skippers over the coming months as they prepare for another thrilling race.”

The Clipper Race is one of the world’s toughest challenges. 40,000 nautical miles long, taking almost a year to complete, this is the only event of its kind which gives amateur sailors the chance to sail round the world, taking on Mother Nature’s most remote conditions. Fewer people have completed the Clipper Race than have climbed Mount Everest. 

Hoping to follow the success of compatriot Eric Holden, Clipper 2013-14 Race winner, Canadian skipper Diane Reid, 42, from Toronto said: “The Clipper Race combines all my passions and goals. I want to race round the world stupidly fast and I love teaching sailing.  I am a passionate sailor who loves competition and winning, but also loves seeing individuals excel and triumph over hurdles.”  

The race sees twelve teams compete against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-ft ocean racing yachts, designed for speed not comfort. Crew represent over 40 different countries and can choose to compete in either the full circumnavigation or individual legs. The only professionals on board are the skippers who safely lead their team.