​Clipper Race crew cruise out to Great Barrier Reef

Clipper Race crew got to switch racing for cruising, with the opportunity to soak up the best of the Whitsundays on a trip to the Great Barrier Reef as part of the stopover in Airlie Beach.

Image: The Clipper Race Crew on board the Wings catamaran

The trip, that was gifted by Coral Sea Marina, saw 18 Race Crew take a break from sailing the world’s toughest oceans as they were sailed on a luxury catamaran out to a patch of the Great Barrier Reef to enjoy a day of snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking in the gorgeous azure waters of the Whitsundays.

Harry Oates, Race Crew onboard Washington, DC said: “It was so cool to jump in the crystal-clear water after all the hot weather, and to be able to see all the fish and the coral underneath you was really beautiful. It’s a really nice surprise to be able to do something like this as part of the Clipper Race!”

Image: Crew take advantage of the crystal clear water

Olwami Zungu, Dare To Lead Ambassador said: “It was so fun! This is all so new to me, jumping off the boat into the water was something I had never done before, and it was the best part of the day.”

Leandre Terblanche Race Crew on board Qingdao said: “It was such a great experience, I never thought swimming in the Great Barrier Reef would be part of my Clipper Race.”

Image: Coral in the Great Barrier Reef

Head of Marketing at Coral Sea Marina, Joscelyn O’Keefe said: “The opportunity to send out some of the Clipper Race crew with one of our award-winning tour operators was the perfect way to offer our visitors a glimpse of the best of the Whitsundays.

Image: Paddleboarding break

"The adventure onboard Wings II, packed with snorkeling, swimming, sailing and some quality beach time, offered the perfect Whitsunday escape for the crew during their Airlie Beach stopover. Mike, Amy and the incredible team at Wings Sailing Adventures offer the perfect day tour on board their custom built 60ft catamaran and our special thanks to them for ensuring the Clipper Race crew had a great day out enjoying all the highlights of the Whitsunday islands.”

Thank you to Coral Sea Marina and Wings Sailing Charters for providing Race Crew with an unforgettable experience.