#IWD25: Celebrating our Clipper Race women in sailing

On this International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the incredible women who are making waves both on and off the water at the Clipper Race. Working behind the scenes at the race’s HQ, we are lucky to have some incredibly talented sailors who are breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.

The sailing industry has long been male-dominated, but that tide is turning, thanks in part to this incredible group of women who help keep the cogs of the Clipper Race turning. Their challenges and triumphs remind us that passion, determination, and resilience know no gender. Today, we honour their stories, their successes, and the powerful message they send to women everywhere: You belong here.

Kirsty Squires, Clipper Race Head of Training and Principal

What advice would you give to a young woman coming into the sailing industry?

DO IT! In the past, the sailing industry has been mostly male-dominated, but this is changing. More and more women are taking on leadership roles in the industry, and the female Skippers on the Clipper Race have done incredibly well.

In recent years, we have seen Skipper Wendy Tuck become the first female overall winner of the Clipper 2017-18 Race. Then we saw our youngest ever Skipper in Clipper Round the World Yacht Race history, Nikki Henderson, Skipper of the Visit Seattle team on the same race.

The Clipper 2023-24 Race saw Skipper Hannah Brewis and First Mate Ella Hebron take charge of Washington, DC, proving that women really can lead and be a pillar of the sailing industry and community!

Who is your sailing inspiration?

Wendy Tuck, also known as Wendo. Wendo made Clipper Race history, being the first ever woman to win the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, after 22 years!

I was at the front of the stage when Sir Robin awarded Wendo the prestigious Clipper Race trophy. It was an emotional moment for all, and when Wendo lifted that trophy, it felt like she was lifting it for all women!

What is your proudest sailing moment?

I was on my Level 1 training course, and the whole team had been working SO hard, ALL day.

I was on galley duty, making the whole team jacket potatoes for lunch. It started to rain slightly, but everyone still wanted to eat their food on deck instead of down below in the dry.

So, we all sat on deck, in the light rain, eating our jacket potato lunch. It was one of the most satisfying meals, as we had all worked so hard beforehand.

To have everyone’s appreciation and gratitude for something so simple, it really was a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life. It was a bonding moment I will never forget. It proved that it’s not just about the sailing, but the human element too, something that the Clipper Race encapsulates wonderfully.

How did you get into the industry?

I first started at the Clipper Race fixing model boats! I then saw a job advertisement for a Clipper Race Training Administrator, and I was so impressed with the company having experienced working there, I had to apply.

When I applied, I didn’t think I had a chance, if I’m honest, as I had no sailing experience, instead my background was administrative. However, the Clipper Race likes to give those with no sailing experience a shot! Ten years later, and I’m still a part of the Clipper Race family!

Jacqueline Kavanagh, Clipper Race Recruitment Manager and Circumnavigator

What advice would you give to a young woman coming into the sailing industry?

Mother Nature does not care what sex you are. Waves don't distinguish between men and women, the wind will blow, the birds soar, the sunrise will set whoever is on the helm, skippering the boat or in the galley. Oceans are the greatest levellers of all - you just need to put the nonsense on land behind you and get out on there sailing!

Don't make excuses, never accept ‘no’ if you want to succeed and don't let being a woman enter your mind - you are a sailor, simple as that!

But it's also important to remember there are millions of women who will never have the privilege of opportunity - so those that have - treat it seriously.

Who is your sailing inspiration?

Pip Hare. She never gives up, says it as it is and is a great sailor.

What is your proudest sailing moment?

Completing a circumnavigation with the best Skipper and crew and the feeling I might have contributed just a tiny bit to our success on the water.

Ella Nieper, Clipper Race Recruitment Executive and 2023-24 Race Crew

What advice would you give to a young woman coming into the sailing industry?

Join a local club so you can make friends at the same time – it’s a very social sport!

Who is your sailing inspiration?

Ellen MacArthur. She grew up in the village next-door to me and I remember reading her book as a teenager about her broken daggerboard on the Vendee Globe and how she replaced it with her starboard one offshore on her own.

What is your proudest sailing moment?

Probably completing the Fastnet in 2023 when half the fleet retired. Also joining the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and becoming the 4^th generation of my family to be a member.

How did you get into the industry?

Initially my dad taught me how to sail on a dinghy on a reservoir in Derbyshire, and then I did my RYA dingy levels as a child and then just played around on them with friends in the summer etc.

In terms of racing, it was a bit of luck really! I crewed on a boat I found through the RORC crew match for Cowes Week and we ended up winning our class! That then just springboarded the opportunities that were open to me.

Jilly St John, Clipper Race Crew Recruitment Co-Ordinator and 2015-16 Race Crew

What advice would you give to a young woman coming into the sailing industry?

It’s important to know yourself and trust yourself. There will be many people in life who try to convince you subconsciously or otherwise that you don’t. Action normally communicates what words won’t. Don’t tell them what you’re capable of, show them.

Who is your sailing inspiration?

I’m so lucky that I’m surrounded by so many inspirational women and live in a time where women are making waves of their own within the professional industry. Heather Thomas, Ineke Van Der Weijdan, Hannah Brewis, Clarisse Cremer, Pip Hare… the list goes on. Of course, their talent and skill sets are to be admired, but the most inspiring thing about them, to me, is their commitment and work ethic towards achieving their goal! It’s incredibly inspiring to watch them move through their journeys in real time. When you witness the challenges and the effort to overcome them, you suddenly realise anything is possible if you’re willing to push yourself beyond your comfort zones.

What is your proudest sailing moment?

Honestly, my proudest moments in sailing are simply completing the journey safely. Be that as racing crew, teaching, completing a long refit, delivering a beautiful yacht or helping someone to see they are capable of completing their own journey. It’s easy to romanticise the ocean experience, but she can be brutal, relentless and unforgiving. She shows us the depths of ourselves, our reserves of energy, mental fortitude and ability to persevere, indiscriminately.

How did you get into the industry?

The Clipper Race was my first sailing experience and everything I learned on my race has been transferrable since. To this day, they are still amongst my favourite boats to sail. I guess it’s a little like your first car in that sense!

Hannah Brewis, Clipper Race Manager and Skipper of Washington, DC, 2023-24 edition

What advice would you give to a young women coming into the sailing industry?

Don’t be afraid of being outnumbered, it doesn’t mean you have any less right to be there.

Who is your sailing inspiration?

Pip Hare – she’s over come so many obstacles to be where she is, she’s achieved so much and still keeps pushing for more.

What is your proudest sailing moment?

Completing a circumnavigation of the globe as Skipper of Washington, DC in the Clipper 23-24 Race.

How did you get into the industry?

I started sailing when I was young, my family would go on activity holidays, and I’d spend most of my week playing on all the little dinghies and from there my love for sailing started. Growing up I was never sure what to do as a career but knew I loved sailing and thought why don’t I try that? And here I am!