Future Crew Catch Up – Meet Ken Brown

Today, we catch up with Ken Brown from Dubai, UAE, to find out why he dares to do what very few have done before and circumnavigate the world’s oceans next year.

Ken recently completed his Level 3 training at our Sydney training centre in Australia, where crew can complete Levels 1 to 3 of the four compulsory courses. Ken says he chose to do his training in the city because the chance to sail around the iconic Sydney Harbour and the open ocean was too irresistible.

Find out what part of the race Ken is most looking forward too and how his Clipper Race experience has been so far…

Name: Ken Brown
Age: 56
Nationality: British
Occupation: Retired
Signed up for: Clipper 2015-16 Race, full circumnavigation

What led you to sign up for the Clipper Race?
I first came across the Clipper Race when I saw the advertisement on the London underground a few years back and have been following it since. Articles I read in sailing magazines and video footage of the Clipper 70s last summer sealed it for me.

Why did you choose the full circumnavigation?
Several reasons really, but primarily the challenge and the chance to visit some of the most remote places on the globe as well as some of the greatest port cities; the opportunity to meet and work alongside like-minded people and ultimately the personal and team achievement of doing something relatively few have done.

Which leg are you most looking forward to?
It has to be Leg 3 across the Southern Ocean. Almost everyone talks about the challenge of the big weather; the excitement of surfing down the waves and the relief of completing the crossing to Australia.

What has been the highlight of your Clipper Race experience so far?
Two spring to mind – racing in Sydney Harbour bay with over 100 other boats was just fantastic, and the other was the phosphorescence streaks in the water from dolphins swimming in to ride our bow wave in the middle of the night which was awesome! It has also been great to meet others who will be part of the race next year. I have been lucky that during all of my training there has been someone on board who has competed in previous Clipper Races. It’s always good to hear from someone who had been there and done that, sharing stories of their adventure and giving advice on their experiences.

What have you found most challenging so far?
We were over 20 miles offshore with 20 plus knots of wind and 2 metres of swell, it was just after midnight and we were all hooked on at the bow changing from a Yankee 2 to a Yankee 3. I felt completely safe and secure knowing that our Clipper 68 had been around the world several times in much worse weather, but it certainly was exhilarating!

What do your family and friends think about you taking part in the race?
All are very supportive. My daughters think it’s great and my wife thinks I am crazy, but I know they will follow the race as it unfolds and I am sure they will all enjoy coming to visit me at one or more of the port cities along the way.

Want to join Ken? The Clipper 2015-16 race is now 80% full but there are still places left on most legs. We’re also recruiting for the 2017-18 edition of the race. Click here to apply and find out more.