Clipper Round the World Yacht Race - Robin Knox-Johnston

As the sixth Clipper Round the World Yacht Race comes to a close, we can reflect on the last ten months and the effect that 35,000 miles of racing has had on the 400 people’s lives who participated as crew in the race.

Firstly they will have become competent sailors, and for those who had never sailed before they joined the Clipper Training programme a year or more ago, this means they have learned a new sport. But they have not done this in the sheltered waters of the Solent; they have done it through all the oceans of the world, in calms and in storms.

But that is not all they take back to the land at the end of their voyage. They have learned that teamwork is not something preached in a weekend seminar, it is an essential part of survival at sea, and when they put their effort into their team it is not only safer it is enjoyable.

They will also show the noticeable increase in self confidence which comes from taking on something really difficult and succeeding. Perhaps nowhere has this been more obvious than with the ONE HULL Tag Team, the young people, not drawn from privileged backgrounds, who took the Wilberforce Petition against modern day slavery around the world. It is pleasing to report that all of these young people have had a life changing experience, and have all now taken up jobs or further education.

The crews all now face a similar challenge. Adjusting to life ashore again and the need to get back to work. Whatever they do however, they know that they have achieved something very special with their lives and something we hope will extend their horizons.

At Clipper, well some people like the Race Team will go for a well deserved holiday. Others will take over the boats and race them around the Solent for a few months whilst the back room team will start to progress the re-fit, pulling together the list of tasks that keep the boats clean, safe, and effective. Already crew training is already well underway for Clipper 09-10, so as we say farewell and good luck to the Clipper 07-08 crews, we are hailing the new ones for Clipper 09-10.