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The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is on the hunt for adventurous New Zealanders looking to take on the ‘Race of their Life’ in 2015 and beyond.
Twelve New Zealanders are already signed up to compete in the 40,000 mile ocean odyssey raced by international amateur sailors from all walks of life.
Clipper Ventures Australia Managing Director Kirsty Whyte, who was a circumnavigator in the Clipper 2009-10 Race says: “If you are being inspired by the Volvo Ocean Race’s New Zealand stopover and your dream is to race across oceans but you are not a professional sailor, then the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race can make your dream a reality.”
Unlike the Volvo Ocean Race which is only for professional sailors, the Clipper Race is open to anyone regardless of experience. 40 per cent of crew members have never sailed before they start training.
Eileen Harrison - an Auckland communications manager - is signed up for two of the eight legs on the race, and will sail from the UK to Cape Town, South Africa, via Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. She said: “When I first saw the race advertised, I knew my life was about to change. I realised that if I could complete something epic in my life, then my life may well become rather epic itself.”
The 2015-16 edition of the race – due to start on August 30 - is now 80 per cent full but spots are available on most legs.
Everyone from farmers to miners, doctors, truck drivers and housewives sign up for individual legs or the full round the world race which takes 11 months to complete.
You must be 18 years old to compete but there is no upper age limit.
Director Brett Arthur from Auckland is also part of the Clipper 2015-16 Race crew. He added: “I am most looking forward to being involved in a close-knit team, being solely focussed on a single objective and experiencing the bond that only a shared experience can bring.
“Getting to see quite a few countries will be great too.”
Three of the four levels of compulsory training can be done at the Clipper Ventures Australia base in Sydney, with Level 4 training being taught in the UK.
If you would like more information about the Clipper Race and how to sign up, or to book your training courses at our Australian base, please contact Kirsty on kwhyte@clipper-ventures.com or +61 2 9363 2020
