Introducing: Chris Hollis

Sydney-based yachtsman Chris Hollis will skipper one of the twelve international teams around the world during the ninth edition of the Clipper Race, the world’s longest yacht race.

“I love racing, I’m extremely passionate about it and love being on the water the in general and getting other people excited about sailing,” explains the 33-year-old.

A seasoned racer in his native waters, Chris has taken part in two editions of the famous Sydney-Hobart Race which included two podium finishes in the yacht’s respective class.

Chris was introduced to sailing at the age of seven by his parents and discovered competitive racing in 2001.

“I competed as a bowman in my first Sydney-Hobart race. I had the racing bug then and competed in as many races as I could. I’ve been a keen racer ever since.”

An Australian skipper has led a team to victory in the two previous editions of the Clipper Race and Chris will be hoping to continue the trend during the Clipper 13-14 Race.

“I would love a good result in the overall standings, but more importantly, I want the crew to enjoy the race during all the tough times as well as the good times and return home safely.”

Chris will take charge of a group of non-professional sailors and form them into a team ocean racing team which will take on some of the toughest sailing conditions on the planet.

“During the Clipper Race I’m looking forward to building a team of regular people, and turning them into safe oceangoing racers. Completing the race will be a huge sense of achievement, not only for me, but a shared one with the crew.”

Photography: © red-photographic