Alumni crew join in tenth edition race preparations in London

After their global adventure some crew go back to their previous lives and occupations, some decide on a future in the marine industry, and some take time out to assess their next move in life or make a total career and life change – but whatever they go on to do they will always be Clipper Race Alumni.

As we count down to what is set to be the biggest race yet starting on Sunday 30 August, the Clipper Race Alumni crew have been showing their support on the fleet’s delivery to St Katharine Docks in London in anticipation for the tenth edition race.

"Joining in the delivery of the Clipper Race yachts for the tenth race was a magical few days for me,” says Emma Beaumont, a 40 year-old former relationship manager from London. Emma took part in the full circumnavigation on board California during the 2009-10 edition of the race.

“Being back on board a Clipper 68 which was my comfy home for a year felt wonderful. I was sailing with my first ever skipper who started my training and was joined by fellow crew mates whom I've met over the years from all the other races and I enjoyed meeting all the new crew as they are nearing the start of their epic adventure.

“I have never sailed up to London and it was truly an experience I won't forget as we meandered past old power stations, through the Thames Barrier, past Greenwich with its naval history and past my old work arena at Canary Wharf - all with a snake of 12 mesmerising Clipper 70s who just glided through the water behind us. Entering St Katharine Docks just a week before the crew leave for the world's oceans put a knot in my stomach!

“Once you've been 'Clippered' you never look back because your life will have changed forever and the memories and experience can never be either copied or deleted,” Emma adds.

Russell Sandbach also earnt the title of circumnavigator during the 2011-12 edition of the race on board Geraldton Western Australia. Arriving in London and looking back to his experience, Russell a 53 year-old CEO from Tyne and Wear says: "My fondest memory was at the start line for the beginning of the race in Southampton. Nobody knew each other really and we were all a bit nervous but by the time we came back we trusted each other with our lives and had done, friendships for life were made.”

When asked what advice he had for this year’s crew, he says: “Make sure you always have a cup of coffee ready for the skipper!”

The third generation Clipper Race fleet of twelve 70 foot ocean racers and its international crew members and skippers are now in London preparing for their global adventure at St Katharine Docks Race Village. On Sunday 30 August the fleet will parade the Thames River in Spectacular style passing under the iconic Tower Bridge to race 5,868 miles across the Atlantic to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in the race’s longest ever opening leg.

Alumni race crew from many of our past races will be present amongst the Race Village, sharing their experiences, holding public talks and manning our information points.

Want to race the world’s oceans? Click here to discover more.

For more information about the London Race Village and Race Start Schedule, click here.