News

Don’t just watch - become an ocean racer!

14 November 2008

Aspiring ocean racers fired up by the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Cape Town, South Africa, can turn their dreams into reality competing in the only global yacht race open to everyone, regardless of their sailing ability. More than 1,750 people have already achieved their ambition with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and race organisers are currently recruiting crew for the next edition of the race, which starts in September 2009.

In twelve months time the ten identical, internationally sponsored 68-foot yachts contesting the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race will be speeding towards South Africa and the hero’s welcome that will await them there. The boats are stripped down racing yachts with exposed decks, grinders and wardrobe of eleven massive sails in constant rotation according to the conditions, all of which have to be raised and changed by hand and precision teamwork. This is no soft option.

The teams will have crossed the south Atlantic, dipping into the fringes of the Southern Ocean with its notoriously unpredictable conditions. The world’s oceans do not differentiate between professional and amateur sailors; the gruelling and exhilarating conditions are equally as testing whoever you are. This is one of the world’s toughest challenges and South Africans from all walks of life can be part of it.

Royal Cape Yacht Club is hosting a presentation by Clipper 09-10 Operations Director, Colin de Mowbray, on Monday 17 November at 6pm. It is open to all who wish to discover more about becoming a crew member and emulating their sailing heroes.

The Clipper Race was established by legendary sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world. He wanted everyone, regardless of their background, to be able to experience the thrill of ocean racing which, until then, had been the preserve of the rich or professional.

No sailing experience is required as all crew must undertake the comprehensive training programme prior to the start of the race.  Former novice crew member Guo Chuan is just one example of those who have competed in the Clipper Race and gone on to further challenges, currently racing onboard Green Dragon in the Volvo Ocean Race.

To register your interest in attending the presentation at Royal Cape Yacht Club email .

Further information is available by email at , by telephone on +44 (0) 2392 526000 or by visiting the website at http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com.

If you’re based in the UK don’t forget to watch the one-hour documentary on Channel 4 on Sunday 16 November, 7.35am - 8.30am and one hour later on Channel 4 +1.

Visit Clipper Round The World Yacht Race for more exciting updates.