NORWEGIAN YACHTSWOMAN TAKES ON THE WORLD’S LONGEST OCEAN RACE

More people have reached the summit of Everest than have completed a circumnavigation of the world by yacht, and Mona Stalsberg will join the illustrious list of circumnavigators once she completes the Clipper 13-14 Race.

The 31-year-old sommelier from Mandal, Norway will race on board the Switzerland entry skippered by Vicky Ellis during the ninth edition of the Clipper Race.

“I first heard about the Clipper Race when I was reading an article in a Norwegian sailing magazine about a guy who was doing two legs in the last edition,” explains Mona.

“It sounded so amazing that I looked at the race website two minutes later, and asked for more information.

“Sailing around the world has been a dream for me a long time. To do this with a professional skipper, learn and push myself, was just perfect.”

Over forty nationalities will be represented in the Clipper 13-14 Race with a growing crew presence in destinations such as Scandinavia and the Baltics.

“When I found out my application had been accepted I didn't sleep for a week!

“I’ve been sailing smaller boats in Norway and Sweden, and been crew on a boat in South America but nothing like the Clipper Race.

“For me the challenge is learning and remembering everything in English. There have been many highlights in my Clipper Race training so far: the people, how professional the Clipper Race team is, the feeling after my Level 1 training course.

“The training has been excellent. Physically challenging, but good. I have high expectations from myself when I join the race, and I really want to learn a lot and do well. I am most looking forward to being out at sea, racing, learning, the people and testing myself.”

If you are interested in taking part in the Clipper Race, click here for more information click here.