Taking on the Pacific

Hong Kong-based Sean Alexander will spend close to a month at sea during the Clipper 13-14 Race as he takes on the vast Pacific Ocean.

Leg 6, the longest of the Clipper Race, will see the twelve-strong fleet race from Qingdao, China to San Francisco, USA.

“I have limited previous sailing experience apart from on keelboats at the OCSC School in San Francisco,” explains Sean, 40.

Sean joins around forty per cent of the crew taking part in the Clipper Race have no sailing experience before their pre-race training.

“I decided to do Leg 6 to be able to sail back into my home country and for my family to meet me on arrival in America,” reveals the California born Stock Broker.

“I first heard about the Clipper Race when I read about it in Outside magazine.  My father lives on a sail boat and has sailed most of his life. I thought the Clipper Race would be a good way to share something he enjoys.

“I also think crossing between China and the USA would be great given my ties to both countries as my girlfriend Youyi Zhang is from China and is also participating in the race.

“During my Level 1 training I found the sheer size of the sailing yacht, including the sails and lines the most challenging part of the experience as well as the mother watch where you have to cook for 15 plus people!

“The highlight of my Level 1 was sailing around the Isle of Wight and getting to know such a diverse group of people in a short period of time.

Racing under the Golden Gate Bridge after crossing the Pacific Ocean, the world’s largest expanse of water, will be one of the landmarks of the ninth edition of the Clipper Race.

“I’m most looking forward to the intense mental and physical challenge of the Clipper Race and again meeting new people from different places and walks of life. I think the hardest part of the race will be keeping focused for 30 days at sea and learning the nuances of team personalities.”

If you think you have what it takes to sign up for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, click here to request more information and an application brochure.