Future Crew Friday – Meet Bridget Keevil

This week, we catch up with Bridget, who is leaving her travel agent business to race across the world’s oceans this summer.

Bridget has completed two of the four levels of compulsory training at our UK training centre. Crew can also train at our base in Sydney, Australia and complete Levels 1 to 3 there right through until June 2015.

Find out below why Bridget’s husband feels sorry for crew members on board with her.

Name: Bridget Keevil
Age: 55
Nationality: British
Occupation: Travel Agent owner and accountant
Signed up for: Clipper 2015-16 Race, Circumnavigator

What led you to sign up for the Clipper Race?
I was travelling to a business meeting in London and I saw the 50/50 advert on the tube and I thought, what on earth is that? So I googled the slogan ‘Race of Your Life’ and thought, that sounds really good – I’ll do it!

I am a wimp, I have never sailed before and I'm scared of most things. I think this is going to push me to my absolute limits in every single area and I can’t wait.

What made you sign up for the full circumnavigation?
I must admit it was the ‘club’ that allured me to take part in the full circumnavigation. There aren’t many people that have joined that club. I’m not arrogant, I just thought that’s something that is really different. I’m doing it for the charity ABTA LifeLine too which gives an extra purpose for me to do it. When I tell people what I am doing, most just stand there with their mouth open because to look at me I am the most un-athletic person.

Working in the travel industry, I have been fortunate to visit most of the countries we are racing to. I hope that I will be able to help organise trips in port for my team and recommend sights to visit.

What has been the highlight of your Clipper Race experience so far?
I took the helm for a whole shift when it was rather rough and windy and the other three crew members on my watch were constantly changing the sail at the front. When I came off watch, my hands and legs were stuck in position but I was so pleased with my achievement.

What have you found the most challenging so far?
The whole experience is a challenge! I don’t even use public toilets so to be on board a racing yacht sleeping and living with people has taken me so far out of my comfort zone its unbelievable.

What do your family and friends think about you doing the race?
When I told my husband about the race he was supportive and said to go for it. I don’t think he thought I was going to do it and now that I am, we have discussed it and he is 100 per cent behind me and will be looking after my business while I'm away. My husband says he feels sorry for anyone that will be on board with me as I am the worst snorer ever!

We have four grown up children who all think I'm a little mad or having a mid-life crisis but they are all very supportive. One lives in Australia and we will be spending Christmas together this year.

The 2015-16 Race starts August 30 and is now more than 85 per cent full. Want to join our intrepid group of adventurers? Click here.