Introducing: Eric Holden

Canadian yachtsman Eric Holden, has been selected as one of the twelve elite sailors tasked with skippering a team around the world in the ninth edition of the Clipper Race.

Eric, 33, is fresh from his role as Weather Forecaster for the Canadian sailing team at London 2012 and is relishing skippering an entry in the world’s longest yacht race.

“The Clipper Race has to be one of the most challenging races on the planet and I’m grateful to have the opportunity in being involved. It is every sailor’s dream to sail around the world and is a dream that I share.“

Boasting a strong racing pedigree, Eric was part of the first Canadian team to win the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race in the race’s 106-year history. He’ll also have an eye on becoming the first Canadian skipper to claim victory in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Eric’s association with the Clipper Race started in 1999 when his sister competed in two legs of the race. 

“It has been my goal to skipper a yacht in the Clipper Race ever since she took part in the race and with the new Clipper 70s, this is an exciting time to be involved.”

A professional meteorologist, Eric is well accustomed to the Clipper Race route having completed multiple Atlantic and Pacific crossings.

During the 40,000-mile marathon the Vancouver-based skipper has the task of building a ocean racing team from a group of amateur sailors.

Photography: © red-photographic