| Today, we catch up with
Peter Finch who first heard about the race in 2012 when visiting his son in
Australia following the win of team Gold Coast Australia in the 2011-12
edition of the race. Admitting that he first thought sailing was just about
pulling on a few ropes, Peter has recently completed three of the four
compulsory levels of training. Two of which he did at our Australian
Training centre, as well as one level in the UK.
Name: Peter
Fitch
Age: 52
Nationality: British (Lives in
Kuala Lumpur)
Occupation: Company Director
Signed up for: Clipper 2015-16
Race, Leg 3, 6 and 8
What led you to
sign up for the Clipper Race?
When it comes to
sailing I am definitely a novice, but I'm a keen Scuba Diver so I love the
water and the sea.I had owned Jet Skis and a small motor boat but in my
heart thought it far more sustainable and ‘romantic’.
I decided to sign up for
the Clipper Race for the unique adventure and the opportunity to learn new
skills.
What made you sign up for legs 3, 6 and 8?
I signed up for Leg 3,
“The Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride,” because someone told me it was the most
challenging ocean and I wanted to experience it with a well-trained crew.
Leg 6 because it seems to be a must
for any sailors CV, and Leg 8 because, well what could possibly be better
than completing a global race, and coming home with the crew whom you’ve have battled through the
world’s oceans with?. I would have loved to have done the full
circumnavigation but time and finances would not allow.
What have you found the most challenging so far?
To be honest the most challenging thing has been learning all the
nautical and boating terminology. It’s been like learning a new language,
however the overriding message on all my training so far has been to sail
fast, sail safe and to enjoy yourself whilst doing it.
What has been the highlight of your Clipper
Race experience so far?
Every morning you wake
up and ask yourself, what could be better than learning new skills with a
great bunch of people in the wonderful waters of Sydney Harbour and the
surrounding Tasman Sea?
I did however under
estimate how much skill and learning was involved, initially I thought
sailing was just about pulling on a few ropes!
What do your
family and friends think about you doing the race?
My family have been
great, they are very supportive and they are looking forward to travelling
to my ports of call to wish me the best of luck on my journey.
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 is full and only 9
places are now left available on board Leg 8. We are also now recruiting
for the 2017-18 edition of the race.
If you
would like to sign up and join Peter and the rest of our crew find out more here. |
