THE CHIEF SUPPORT

360 discovers the role friends play in boosting the morale of Race Crew, and why that makes them an important part of the Clipper Race family.

Nicky Miller has witnessed the adventures the Clipper Race brings from many shores around the world. While her husband Mike (Miller, now a Clipper Race Skipper) took on the 2017-18 edition as a round-the-world crew member, she was travelling from port to port to welcome him, cheering on from the UK in between. And, of course, always with one eye on the Race Viewer when back at home. Nicky understands how important it is to feel in contact with loved ones while at sea. It is now her job to help Race Crew Supporters feel as close to the experience as possible.

Nicky explains: “I had a fantastic year, meeting the yachts at pretty much every stopover on the race. I really felt involved – helping the crew, pitching in with collecting supplies, whatever was needed. It was a great adventure not only for my husband, but for me as well. Mike decided not to return to his previous career, upgraded his sailing qualifications and joined the 2019-20 edition, initially as a First Mate and, after the race restarted, as a Race Skipper. I resumed my enthusiastic supporters role – for Mike but also for all supporters in my position as Coordinator. It’s so exciting that we are both involved in different ways.”

Nicky’s role makes her the first point of contact for all supporters of crew; be it parents, children, partners, siblings, friends – anyone who knows someone who is taking part in the race. She sends out updates, runs drop-in events in stopovers, and is available via email to help answer any questions or concerns that may crop up.

She added: “What is important to remember is our Race Crew are off on their exciting adventure and their loved ones are left at home, living their normal lives, only with the person sailing being absent.

“My role helps to foster a networking community, both online and in ports, so those remaining on dry land still feel like an active part of the Clipper Race family.”

Supporters wanting news about their loved ones will be reassured to know that keeping in touch doesn’t mean having to be at every stopover. Every little message and phone call makes a difference and there are plenty of ways for supporters to keep an eye on the Clipper Race progress from anywhere in the world.

Anyone under the age of 16 with family on board can become a Junior Crew Supporter, which offers them a chance to be involved in a range of challenges and activities, to help make the race come alive for them.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE RACE CREW?

You can track the fleet online at clipperroundtheworld.com/raceviewer and follow every exhilarating moment around the world.

Read all the Race Crew and Skipper blogs online.

Watch the yachts’ arrivals and departures via the Facebook live feed: facebook.com/clipperracelive.

For more information, visit clipperroundtheworld.com.