Achieve something remarkable: celebrating the first Korean woman to sail around the world

“Every trial, every squall, and every serene moment in the vastness of the ocean contributed to the person I am becoming.”

Despite having never sailed before, Na Kyung Lee, a 39-year-old Korean, is the first woman, and youngest person from her nation, to sail around the world after she competed in the Clipper 2023-24 Race.

Image: Regina reflects on her achievements so far out at sea

Na Kyung, known as Regina, is originally from the Korean city of Seoul. An actuary by profession, Regina has worked across Germany and Singapore over the past ten years. However, it was during her work in Singapore that she joined a dragon boat and outrigging team, competing at a club level, and falling in love with being on the water.

Propelled by her own determination to push herself beyond limits and achieve something truly remarkable, Regina signed up for the Clipper 2023-24 Race full circumnavigation, competing on board Bekezela. Before joining the race and completing the intensive four stage training programme required to take part, Regina had never sailed before. But she now prides herself on being an experienced sailor with over 40,000nm in her logbook and having crossed five of the world’s oceans. Regina described the whole experience as humbling, and a stark reminder of the greatness of Mother Nature and the resilience embedded within human beings.

On being the first woman from Korea to sail the world, Regina said: “To become the first Korean woman to do this was such a huge challenge. I like to expose myself to new skills, those that at first appear bigger than myself. I wish to inspire others to pursue their dreams and realise that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.”

Image: Regina and her Bekezela team mates celebrating completing the circumnavigation

Now home from her epic adventure, Regina has reflected on her time at sea. Thinking back to some of the times she felt most tested.

The relentless Tasmanian Sea tested the mettle of both boat and crew, as squalls exceeding 65 knots became our relentless companions. In these moments, the sea and the sky blurred into a tempestuous dance. As I helmed, wrestling against forces threatening to broach the boat, the skipper's voice cut through the howling winds, "Let go, let go of the wheel." It was in that moment that I learned that true strength lies in knowing when to step back and flow with the currents of life. A profound realization washed over me – the strength I sought lay not only in resistance but in surrender.

There are moments to fight, to resist, and there are moments to surrender and let life take its course. Releasing our grip on the wheel, embracing the unpredictable path, we witnessed a monumental sunrise on the boat. Gratitude filled the air, and we marvelled at the strength tested, the trust in ourselves, and the unity within our team. It was a lesson etched in the rhythm of the waves – sometimes, we must relinquish control to find our true course.

Four years ago, my journey of self-discovery began, a courageous step towards authenticity and away from the blind sprint on paths paved by others. Inspired by my mother, who traversed the Camino de Santiago four times, including a solitary trek from Budapest to Santiago, I learned the art of surrender. Camping in wild forests with an 11kg backpack, she demonstrated an incredible trust in herself and the unfolding experiences of life.

Her wisdom echoed when doubts crept in. Responsibilities, like burdens, pressed upon me, but they were the very weights that broke the shackles of fear, liberating me to live fully. Listening to my heart and nurturing a strong mind became my compass, guiding me to decisions that were entirely my own. Leaving a stable corporate life behind, backpacking through Asia, and joining the Clipper Race were choices born from the depths of my being.

Surfing down 10-metre waves at 20 knots – these were feats of someone who had never driven a car before. Becoming an assistant watch lead, guiding new crew members, and assuming roles beyond my imagined capabilities proved the building blocks of newfound confidence. The exhilaration of surfing down roaring 45-degree waves in the Roaring Forties at 20 knots became a dance with the elements, an intimate connection with the vastness of the ocean. The boat, heeled over in defiance of gravity, propelled forward by the sheer force of nature, left an indelible mark on my soul. It was a symphony of chaos and beauty, a testament to the transformative power of embracing the unknown.

Image: Regina faced tough conditions as she navigated the globe by sea

From someone who had never sailed before, I found myself assuming the role of assistant watch lead, navigating through the intricacies of the boat, and helping new crew members build the skills and confidence needed for the journey. The power of mentorship unfolded before me as I transitioned from a novice to a guide, realizing that each one of us carries dormant gems waiting to be activated.

In the midst of extreme conditions, where the cold gnawed at our bones and the heat tested the limits of endurance, the importance of clear minds and warm hearts became apparent. Emerging from these trials, I discovered a profound resilience that resided within, a wellspring of strength that could weather any storm, whether internal or external.

The beauty of the ocean unfolded in myriad ways – the thousand diamond skies that adorned our nights, playful dolphins accompanying our journey, and being showered by the majestic blow of passing whales. The graceful gliding of albatrosses, the guardians of the open sea, left us in awe of the untamed wonders that surrounded us.

These moments, gifts from the sea, were rewards for pushing the limits, for embracing challenges that seemed insurmountable. The journey became a tapestry of enriching experiences, a testament to the infinite possibilities that awaited beyond our perceived boundaries. The ocean, in its vastness, mirrored the boundless potential within each of us.

The odyssey is not a solitary venture but a collective journey with individuals of diverse backgrounds, ages, genders, and cultures. Through the challenges and victories, we evolved into a floating family, a testament to the power of unity in diversity. Trust became the bedrock upon which our bonds were forged, and reliance on one another became second nature.

Image: Life at sea with Regina and her Bekezela family

In the crucible of the Clipper Race, we discovered the strength that emanates from embracing differences, the resilience that emerges when individuals unite towards a common goal. As the boat cut through waves, and we faced the tumultuous seas together, the realization dawned that we were not merely sailing companions – we were a tribe, a family, bound by the shared experiences of conquering the unknown.

I wish for everyone to embark on their journey of self-discovery, to uncover the gems within and nurture the gems in others. Each of us holds a unique authenticity waiting to be awakened, a brilliance that, when shared, contributes to the collective growth of humanity.

As I reflect on the journey, I am reminded of the sunrise after the stormy night, where doubts and challenges were met with unwavering determination. Every trial, every squall, and every serene moment in the vastness of the ocean contributed to the person I am becoming. The beauty of the sunrise, both literal and metaphorical, lies in its ability to illuminate even the darkest corners of our doubts and fears.

Image: Regina on the 2023-24 edition

I hope my story uplifts. May it encourage people to explore the uncharted waters of their hearts and minds. The world, much like the ocean, is vast and teeming with opportunities to discover the gems we all possess. Let us collectively embrace the journey with open hearts, support one another in uncovering our authentic selves, and return the gift of life with happiness and contributions that extend far beyond our individual existence.

The Clipper Race will visit the South Korean city of Tongyeong as part of the 2025-26 edition, marking the race’s first visit to Korea and the first time an international sailing event will have visited the country. If you are inspired by Regina’s experience, applications are open for the Clipper 2025-26 Race and Clipper 2027-28 Race. Find out more at clipperroundtheworld.com