Search for 2015-16 Race Skippers enters final stages

After a great attendance at Crew Brief, preparations are continuing at Race HQ ahead of the start of the Clipper 2015-16 Race, now confirmed for Sunday 30 August, 2015.

The search for the twelve skippers to lead our crew around the world is in the final stages, with the final group set to be announced in March.

The Race Team including Race Director, Justin Taylor and Deputy Race Director, Mark Light have been putting potential skippers through their paces during the first skipper trials.

Skipper trials consist of a three day on-the-water trial, and potential skippers are tested on their handling of fundamental racing scenarios including man overboard drills, as well as strategy and race tactics.

The ideal candidates will not only have the required sailing qualifications and background, but will also have the suitable people management skills required to successfully and safely lead a team of amateur sailors around the world.

“As a skipper on the Clipper Race, the role offers a unique opportunity to race around the world, creating a close knit and effective racing team,” explains Mark Light, who skippered Derry-Londonderry during the 2011-12 edition.

“The challenges are many and varied;and as a result the rewards are very high. It’s a great achievement to have on your CV and of course there aren't many better recommendations in sailing than of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

“The main things we look for in potential race skippers is professionalism at all times, 100 per cent commitment and a wide variety of experience,” continues Mark.

“This should include skippering and managing large yachts and crews, offshore and ocean experience, racing experience, seamanship skills and previous sail training experience.”

Skipper trials will take place up until early March when the final line up will be decided..

“It was one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs of my career,” reveals Chris Hollis, skipper of PSP Logistics during the 2013-14 race.

“At the beginning, people try to tell you about it and what to expect, but until you do it, you just don’t know.

“My best advice is to expect the unexpected, go with it, and have fun.”

Interested in taking on the challenging role of skipper for the Clipper Race? Click here to find out more and apply.