Clipper Race celebrates global Summer Sailstice

Clipper Race crew taking on their Level 2 training on the Solent in the South Coast of the UK celebrated the ‘Summer Sailstice' last weekend.

Summer Sailstice is a global celebration of sailing and is held on the weekend closest to the summer solstice, the longest day to be on the water. Over 19,000 sailors’ participated this year from more than 40 countries, all connected in the global celebration of sailing which was established 13 years ago.

Clipper 13-14 Race crew member Mark Nichols, a project manager from Wolverhampton, UK said:

“We had a great days sailing for Summer Sailstice and week all round; the weather was favourable with a very windy start of 20 to 30 knots, easing through the week. The highlight of the week was completing a Yankee 1 sail drop and packing away with just five of us on deck during the night-watch. It really showed how much we had learnt in such a short space of time and it was great to see us pull together as a team. I am looking forward to completing the final stage of training to be ready to race.”

It’s the second year the Clipper Race has been involved in the Summer Sailstice, with the Clipper 11-12 Race fleet celebrating the longest day to be on the water in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Fighting against tough conditions brought on by tropical storm ‘Chris’ from Halifax in Canada to Derry-Londonderry in Northern Ireland in Leg 8, Race 13.

The Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race crew will participate in this annual celebration in similar conditions next year.

For more information on the Summer Sailstice, click here.