The Clipper Race Announces its Lineup of First Mates
The Clipper Race, a sailing challenge of a lifetime, has announced its lineup of First Mates who will lead non-professionals on an endurance challenge of over 40,000 nautical miles.
Meet the First Mates
- Amy Smith from Somerset, UK
- Ben Birley from Cumbria, UK
- Brian Uniacke from Dublin, Ireland
- Diana Vega from the Isle of Wight, UK
- Faith Nordbruch from the Isle of Wight, UK
- Jade Golder from Surrey, UK
- Lorraine O Hanlon from Kinsale, Ireland
- Millie Apperley from West Yorkshire, UK
- Otto Kulow from Leipzig, Germany
- Zoe Longley from Derbyshire, UK
These First Mates will be working closely with their respective Race Skippers, utilizing their sailing experience and supporting the goals of their appointed teams. They will not only work towards gaining those all-important places on the podium but also apply their knowledge to create a competent, safe, and competitive race team.
Selection Process
The First Mates undergo a rigorous selection process led by the Clipper Race Management Team. The team’s Race Director, Deputy Race Director, and Race Manager have all competed as Race Skippers on previous editions and therefore understand the unique requirements of this role.
| Requirements | Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification | Have plenty of experience sailing all over the world |
| Be able to teach RYA accredited courses | Have a diverse maritime background |
Quotes from the First Mates
“My appointment as a First Mate is a validation of all my learning, hard work and perseverance accumulated over the past years. Breaking into the offshore sailing industry isn’t always easy, and working as a First Mate for the Clipper Race is a symbolic point after a long journey of gaining the experience and confidence needed for the role.” – Diana Vega
“The isolation and intensity of life at sea will test my resilience, as we’ll be living in close quarters, facing extreme weather conditions and pushing limits. However, I see these sacrifices as investments in personal growth, this experience will undoubtedly shape anyone who undertakes this adventure in profound ways.” – Lorraine O Hanlon
The Clipper Race
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, thirty years ago, and trains people from all walks of life to learn seamanship and become ocean racers. Each participant must complete four stages of intensive training before signing up for one or multiple legs or the full 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation. The fleet of ten matched Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts makes six ocean crossings, including the North Pacific, and the Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race to cross this vast and unforgiving ocean. The race makes 14 ports of call on its global route, including Portsmouth (UK), Cape Town (South Africa), Qingdao (China), and Tongyeong City (Korea), Seattle (USA), and Oban (Scotland).
Key Highlights
- Four stages of intensive training
- Six ocean crossings, including the North Pacific
- 14 ports of call on the global route
- The Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race to cross the North Pacific
Conclusion
The Clipper Race announces its lineup of First Mates, who will lead non-professionals on an endurance challenge of over 40,000 nautical miles. With their diverse maritime backgrounds, extensive sailing experience, and teaching qualifications, they are well-equipped to support their respective Race Skippers and create a competent, safe, and competitive race team. The Clipper Race is a true test of mental and physical fortitude, and we look forward to seeing the progress of the First Mates throughout the race.
