Circumnavigator stories: Lorenzo Gaudenzi Morandi

34-year-old Italian, Lorenzo Gaudenzi Morandi, quit his desk job to sign up to the Clipper Race after seeing an advert on social media. Initially signing up for three legs and starting his training, he quickly realised that he couldn’t resist taking on the entire circumnavigation. Lorenzo went on to race over 40,000 nautical miles around the world with his team on board PSP Logistics on the 2023-24 edition, which finished in Portsmouth earlier this year.

We recently caught up with Lorenzo after he spoke about his experience on the race at the Genova Boat Show, where it was also revealed that the City of Genova would be debuting as a Clipper Race Team Partner on the 2025-26 edition. The Genova team will not only fly the city’s flag around the world, promoting it as an excellent tourism destination, but will also offer young Italians the opportunity to race in the upcoming edition as an Ambassador.

Image: Lorenzo Gaudenzi Morandi

Lorenzo, why did you sign up to circumnavigate?

In the beginning I didn’t sign up for the circumnavigation, I just wanted to do three legs. But then as things went on, I imagined myself stepping off the boat and seeing the boat leaving the docks with my crew, and I thought that wasn’t possible! I have always wanted to do big things, and the Clipper Race was the biggest thing I could do. What attracted me was the challenge, the waves, and the adventure of a lifetime.

Image: Lorenzo's team yacht PSP Logistics

How was the training?

I found the training very interesting, and I like the fact that you start quite soft at Level 1 and then it increases. During my Level 2, that I did in the February, we had a gale experience where all the crew suffered a bit. It was really hard to not be seasick and I remember thinking: this is what it is, but it’s the challenge. The body and mind will settle in the race, and you get used to it.

The most useful part of the training was learning to handle the boat and how to communicate effectively with the crew, especially as English isn’t my native language.

How was the first ocean crossing for you?

The first ocean crossing was long, very long. I remember departing Cadiz, and that was it, that was the real adventure starting! Race 1 was an extended Level 4 training and the first ocean from Cadiz to Punta del Este was very long with different conditions. We fought hard on our boat. We wrapped the kite five times! Luckily, we didn’t shred them! We put up a fierce fight for 300-400 miles with Perseverance and the arrival in Punta del Este, with the crowds and a podium place is something I will never forget.

How did your team gel together?

We glued together very well! It has been amazing to witness how collaboration and teamwork is really effective, and it has been a constant improvement of interpersonal relationships on board to allow the boat to go around the world and be effective and fast.

Image: PSP Logistics celebrating a podium finish on Race 2

What were the biggest conditions you faced?

200 miles north of The Kerguelen Islands, en route to South Africa on Leg 3. Conditions were really tough, we had 40+ knots of winds for several days and then quite a big storm with 8-9m waves. It was relentless, you just power through day and night for several days.

Image: Lorenzo

How did the experience help you grow and what did you learn?

Each and every race is a huge learning process. It taught me how to be compassionate, strong, fierce and courageous when needed. Also, it taught me how to step back and let someone who could do a better job do it rather than me. It taught me many things. One sentence I like to say is, at the beginning we know what it is like to fight from the front, but we got to know what it takes to fight from the back. It takes a lot of mental strength and pride when you are at the back. So, the biggest lesson I learnt is to never give up. You must push until the end because you never know what you are going to get.

Image: A podium finish celebration in Panama

What do you think about the partnership between the Clipper Race and City of Genova?

Genova has always been the central maritime hub in the Mediterranean, home of great sailors and pioneers. It is a great opportunity for the city to showcase its maritime heritage and cultural vibrancy into this global sailing event.

The Ambassador programme is an incredible opportunity for young people from Genova to embark on this journey with the Clipper Race. They will learn how to sail ocean racing yachts, be able to have the experience of crossing oceans, while sharing this adventure with people and cultures from all around the world. A life changing opportunity.

Image: Lorenzo speaking at the Genova Boat Show

What’s next for you now?

I am going to blend my passion for sailing and experience in sales and become a yacht broker!

Want to join Lorenzo and thousands of other everyday people who achieved the extraordinary? Find out more about how to become an ocean racer: applications for both the 2025-26 and 2027-28 editions are open now.