The start date for the Clipper Round the World race is Sunday August 20th - from Liverpool. However the Clipper HQ - and home base marina is at Gosport. It is at Gosport where the 12 matched yachts are prepared for the arduous race to come.
A quick insight into the way Clipper works. Clipper has 12 identical yachts - matched yachts. Some time ago each yacht was allocated a professional skipper through vigorous selection - and at crew allocation each yacht and skipper were allocated their amateur crew - of which I am one. Each yacht is identified by its sponsor.
Our yacht is skippered by Dale Smyth and its name is DARE TO LEAD. see the link
http://clipperroundtheworld.com/news/article/dale-smyth-to-skipper-unique-new-dare-to-lead-team
Behind the Dare to Lead name is The Sapinda Rainbow Foundation - see the link -
http://sapindarainbow.com/
Our boat name Dare to Lead has resulted in a bit of banter between the us and the other teams but we are resolved to "Dare to Lead"! The Sapinda Rainbow Foundation is a tremendous organisation to be associated with and I feel I have an affinity with South Africa following some trekking and travelling there.
From crew allocation it is up to the skipper and his crew to shape its boat in the way they want within the constraints of Clipper sailing rules, of budgets and of equipment - in order to give it the best chance of competing well (and safely) in the race itself.
During "prep week" each boat is given a complete new suite of sails - all the rigging lines are replaced, all equipment is either renewed or checked and serviced and everything is thoroughly cleaned, stored and prepared for the onslaught to come. Within broad Clipper constraints each boat establishes its team ethos, strategy, priorities and approach - it is a vast exercise.
Most members of the crew spent some time at Gosport helping with boat prep. I spent 3 very enjoyable days there. It was fantastic to feel the team spirit and excitement building. No doubt every team feels they have something special but with Dale and the crew of Dare to Lead I think we really have. Time will tell of course.
One massive job is provision of food. Each boat has a nominated "Victualler". The Victualler role has been described as a thankless task because keeping a crew - at any one time numbering up to 21 - both fed and happy given the obvious constraints is a huge - almost impossible challenge. A Clipper yacht has very limited cooking scope - either a small fridge or freezer - not both - and a general shortage of space for storage. Menus have to be nutritious but simple to prepare and there is little scope for fresh fare given the time at sea. Our Victualler is Carl and his assistant is Mick. They are a strong team and need to be. A fantastic ongoing effort.
Dare to Lead together with the other 11 Clippers are now at Albert Dock, Liverpool for the show piece start next Sunday. It is emotional. It is hard to explain how much my thoughts are with my various team mates. We are all individuals - all positive and purposeful and having a good go at life with good intent but each is facing a massive personal challenge. We will each rely on our team members support and concern to get back safely. I am not religious but god bless them all. The next time I see them will be when I join Dare to Lead in China in March 2018 for the across the Pacific leg to Seattle - but my thoughts will be with them every step of the way around the world.
Below are some photos giving an idea of what has been going on.
PS there will be plenty of information provided by Clipper about the race progress. Look for the web site. There are also Facebook links for anyone interested. (see Supporters of Dare to Lead )
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| Most of the Clipper fleet at Gosport. In the foreground the 32 ft wooden Suhaili - the boat Clipper principal Sir Robin Knox-Johnston used to be the first man to sail non stop around the world (1968) |
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| Some of the new sails being stowed |
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| Getting ready to leave. |
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| The galley on a Clipper 70 - in the middle of a deep clean |
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| An amazing amount of food to be stored just for 1 leg |
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| My official Clipper photo! |
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| Daughter Victoria, son James and my two beautiful little grand daughters on the helm of Dare to Lead |
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| Some of my fantastic crew mates ready (& excited) to sail Dare to Lead up to Liverpool for the start of the 2017/18 Clipper race around the world. About half the crew are doing the whole thing - the rest like me doing on or more of the 8 legs. Great people - led by Dale Smyth (standing left). Be safe. Thinking of you all. |
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