Novice sailor set to circumnavigate the globe

Kate Davidson, a New Zealand-based bartender will circumnavigate the globe during the ninth edition of the Clipper Race, which starts on Sunday 1 September.

UK-born Kate will log over 40,000 miles during the 11-month marathon race. 

“The race sounded like (and still sounds like) a fantastic adventure. It's something so different from anything I had ever done before. I've been traveling somewhat aimlessly for a while now and love that the race gives me a solid goal, especially as it is a race and not just cruising,” explains Kate, 24.

“I had always wanted to do the full race as it would seem to make the experience a complete whole. I initially signed up for the first three legs because it seemed more reasonable given that I'd never even sailed before,” continues Kate, who has been allocated to skipper Matt Mitchell’s team.

“I did my Level 1 in Singapore and loved it so much that I added more legs and eventually got to the point where the only sensible thing seemed to be to do the full race.

“The acceptance onto the race didn't feel real. The whole race still doesn't feel entirely real despite the fact that I've done two chunks of training already. The race is so much bigger than me and such a crazy thing to do that I don't think I'm going to comprehend what I'm really doing until I'm already in the middle of it.”

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a unique event which offers anyone the chance to sail around the world no matter their previous experience; many take part with none before their Level 1 training.

Crew can chose between doing the whole circumnavigation or a selection of the eight individual legs. Click here to find out more.

“I knew nothing about sailing before training, each training group has had such a different group of people. It sometimes can be quite difficult to turn that into a cohesive team that works together well and trusts each other,” Kate reveals.

“Training has been awesome. I've learned so much from a variety of people. The biggest surprise has just been that I'm actually good at it and haven't had any doubts about the race. I just want to be a valuable member of the team. I'm always nervous about not being good enough.

“I am looking forward to all of the race. I can't wait to meet my skipper and team and get racing. It's going to be a serious challenge but also an incredible experience.”

If you want to follow in Kate’s footsteps, click here to request a information and application pack.

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