Introducing: Gareth Glover

Yachtsman Gareth Glover is returning to skipper an entry in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race for the second time as he sets his sights on improving the seventh placed finish he achieved with his crew during the previous edition of the race.

“After skippering New York during the Clipper 11-12 Race, I just have to race and be apart of it again especially with the new bigger faster Clipper Race fleet,” explains Gareth, 36.

As skipper of New York, Gareth and his crew recorded four podium finishes and he is already relishing the chance to test the brand new fleet of Clipper 70s.

“I’m really looking forward to getting the new yachts out in open seas and seeing what they can do. The Southern Ocean legs with big winds, big sea and big speeds will also be a highlight.”

Gareth first trained crew for the Clipper Race over a decade ago and has since built up an impressive racing pedigree including three Fastnet Race, Round Britain and Ireland campaigns as well as his previous Clipper Race experience.

The Manchester-born sailor was first introduced to sailing at a local youth club in when he was a student at Broad Oak Comprehensive in Partington.

He quickly realised the outdoor life was for him and, after school, moved south to work as a water sports instructor at Calshot Activities Centre, one of the largest outdoor adventure centres in the UK, racing yachts in his spare time, often with some of the biggest names in the yacht racing world.

Photography: © red-photographic