More about the Clipper 2011 - 2012 Round the World Yacht Race
1 Circumnavigation, 10 ocean racing yachts, 40,000 miles, 15 races, 13 countries... Sounds like a challenge to me!
The Clipper 2011-2012 race sees 10 identical 68ft racing yachts take on a 11 month race around the globe. This is no pleasure cruise - this is a mixture of long, tactical ocean races where endurance is tested to the limit and short, technical sprints. Weather will range from virtually flat calm to raging seas and storm force winds, enough to test the mettle of even the bravest of crew members.
The yachts/ crew are entirely self sufficient during the races – all food is cooked on board – sleep is taken in 4 hour watches (shifts) and “bathroom facilities” are minimal to say the least! Each crew is made up of a professional skipper and 17 other people like me - although not everyone goes all the way around the world. As part of the route the race will take us across the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and, most challenging, the Southern Ocean – this is in no way an easy ride! Weather ranges from flat calm, to storms, to ice blizzards...
The 2011-2012 race is made up of 8 individual legs starting on the 31st July 2011
Living on board an ocean racing yacht
When I first applied, I don't think I appreciated the challenges of living aboard a yacht at sea. Days are split into 4 to 6 hour watch systems, showers are non existent and fresh fruit and veg last the first week of each leg. However, this is balanced by forming incredible bonds with your crew and a near endless supply of chocolate and tea.... (My Level 1 training crew will attest to how important this is to me!)
The Clipper 2011-2012 race sees 10 identical 68ft racing yachts take on a 11 month race around the globe. This is no pleasure cruise - this is a mixture of long, tactical ocean races where endurance is tested to the limit and short, technical sprints. Weather will range from virtually flat calm to raging seas and storm force winds, enough to test the mettle of even the bravest of crew members.
The yachts/ crew are entirely self sufficient during the races – all food is cooked on board – sleep is taken in 4 hour watches (shifts) and “bathroom facilities” are minimal to say the least! Each crew is made up of a professional skipper and 17 other people like me - although not everyone goes all the way around the world. As part of the route the race will take us across the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and, most challenging, the Southern Ocean – this is in no way an easy ride! Weather ranges from flat calm, to storms, to ice blizzards...
The 2011-2012 race is made up of 8 individual legs starting on the 31st July 2011
- Solent (UK) - Madeira - Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): 5,630 miles, 33 days
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) - Cape Town (South Africa): 3,390 miles, 18 days
- Cape Town (South Africa) - Geraldton (Western Australia): 4,750 miles, 23 days
- Geraldton (Western Australia) - New Zealand - Gold Coast (Eastern Australia): 4,620 miles, 28 days
- Gold Coast (Eastern Australia) - Singapore - Qingdao (China): 7,400 miles, 53 days
- Qingdao (China) - West Coast USA: 5,680, 33 days
- California (USA) - Panama - New York (USA): 5,129 miles, 38 days
- New York (USA) - Nova Scotia (Canada) - Derry, (Northern Ireland) - Netherlands - Solent (UK): 3,750 miles, 22 days
Living on board an ocean racing yacht
When I first applied, I don't think I appreciated the challenges of living aboard a yacht at sea. Days are split into 4 to 6 hour watch systems, showers are non existent and fresh fruit and veg last the first week of each leg. However, this is balanced by forming incredible bonds with your crew and a near endless supply of chocolate and tea.... (My Level 1 training crew will attest to how important this is to me!)
The Clipper race route 2011 - 2012
