Future Crew Catch Up – Meet Ben Randall

Ben Randall first heard about the race after seeing a BBC TV feature about the 2013-14 Race Start preparations in London.

Impressed by the Race Village and inspired by the crew members who were preparing to set off on their epic adventure, Ben, who had no previous experience signed up for this year’s race and has already completed his first two levels of training.

We caught up with Ben to find out how he has found his race experience…so far.

Name: Ben Randall
Age: 38
Nationality: British
Occupation: Underwriter
Signed up for: Clipper 2015-16 Race, Leg 4

What led you to sign up for the Clipper Race?
I had been ill for about three years and after I fully recovered, I realised I had lost three years of my life and knew I needed to do something to get back into the groove of things. I work in London and I saw on the BBC news that the fleet was in St Katharine Docks for the start of the last race, my office is just round the corner so I visited on my lunch break and had a look around one of the Clipper 70s.

I picked up one of the brochures and on the train home sat there looking at it knowing there wasn’t a single valid reason why I shouldn’t do it. I thought that as there was no reason not to, knowing that many people would love to do it but may have commitments that I don’t have, that I should do it!

What made you sign up for Leg 4?
I thought I could only afford to do one leg for both financial and time commitments, and I knew I wanted to get the biggest experience I could and see the power of the ocean and wanted to do Leg 3, the Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride!

However, as I have haemophilia it was advised by my consultants and the Clipper Race insurers that I didn’t do that leg, so I have chosen Leg 4, the all Australian races, so I can still experience the Southern Ocean and hopefully some big waves.

What have you found the most challenging so far?
The first level was exhausting, but I think that’s a good thing as it tests you for the race itself. Things are becoming easier the more the training develops and I have really enjoyed it. Getting into the rhythm of a watch system was a challenge at first but by the end of the week we had a smooth operation on board which gave us a great confidence for the race. I am going to improve on my fitness.

What has been the highlight of your Clipper Race experience so far?
The highlight for me was sailing around the Isle of Wight, we had strong winds the whole time and great waves that we surfed.

Would you like to join Ben and race across the world’s ocean this year? The Clipper 2015-16 Race starts on Sunday August 30, 2015 and will be the tenth edition series.

Crew places are now more than 80 per cent full with only 18 round the world places available. Leg 1: Trade Winds to Brazil, Leg 7: America Coast to Coast and Leg 8: The Homecoming are 100 per cent full and there is limited availability on the remaining legs. We are also now recruiting for the 2017-18 edition of the race.

To find out more, click here