ADVENTURE FOR GOOD

Not 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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.


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