Training

Becoming an ocean-racer and overcoming the most challenging conditions on the planet requires training. Every crew member, regardless of your previous experience, will complete four levels of pioneering Clipper Race training that enables you to tackle the most challenging situations on the planet.

Each one-week course is a relentless challenge in itself. Throughout the programme you will constantly progress and strive to ensure that you're trained to the very highest level. Working with professional skippers and mates onboard 68-foot and 70-foot yachts to become competent, safe and efficient Race Crew.

Included in the compulsory training package you’ll receive hand-picked technical clothing from the leading sailing apparel brand, Musto. Approved by professional ocean racing sailors your kit is handpicked because when you face the world’s most extreme ocean conditions, you need tried and tested technical clothing.

Training Levels

1Crewing Skills

6.5 Days on the Water

Before you can become a great sailor you first need to be a safe and competent sailor. During Week One you will be pushed to your physical limits. You’ll understand just how well you must be able to function while cold, wet and exhausted. As part of the selection process you will need to successfully complete Level 1 before you’re guaranteed a place on the Clipper Race.

2Offshore Sailing and Life Onboard

6 Days on the Water

Discover how to live at a 45-degree angle for prolonged periods while racing. Learn to work in a watch system and race with broken sleep as you sail through the night. You will be amazed at how quickly the skills you learnt on Level 1 come back to you. Not quite like riding a bike, more like riding a bucking bronco – in a washing machine.

3Asymmetric Spinnaker Training and Racing Techniques

6 Days on the Water

As your skill and confidence levels increase, so too do the demands we place on you. When you race for real, you will do things right first time and instinctively - you’ll feel assured and at one with the waves. We will help you build your confidence and expand your comfort zone. Clipper 70’s fly asymmetric spinnakers, which are fast, furious fun - and hugely rewarding. The flip side is that sailing is more technical, more demanding and more physical. This is where you will really hone your racing skills. Everything will be about sail trim, making the boat go faster and understanding the weather systems in which you’re racing.

4Team Tactics and Offshore Fleet Racing

6.5 Days on the Water

You’re almost there, you can feel the start of the race approaching. Now is the time to put the final touches to your pre-race training. You will train with your skipper and team while racing against the rest of the Clipper Race fleet. You will practice race starts, build your team and really get to know your crew mates. Crucially, you will also start to work on establishing a psychological edge over your rivals. Whilst there are no race points at stake during Level 4, you’d better believe that the race has started. Imagine the feeling as you win practice race after practice race… ...now you’re ready to race the world, one ocean at a time.

Location

Hampshire, UK

Address
Clipper Race Training Department
Charles House
Gosport Marina
Mumby Road
Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1AH
United Kingdom

Phone
+44 (0) 2392 601253

Further Training

In addition to the Clipper Race training included as part of your Race Crew experience, you can opt for RYA sailing courses from Hamble School of Yachting, the UK's leading independent RYA sea school.

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Training

Training Levels

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Further Training