​Meet the Clipper 2017-18 Race Crew: Dianne Andary

Name: Dianne Andary

Age: 65

Nationality: Australian

Legs: All-Australian Leg 4

Team: PSP Logistics

The Fremantle Stopover has been one that Di Andary has been waiting for for some time, as it will be where she starts her Clipper Race journey for the All-Australian Leg 4 aboard PSP Logistics. And whilst the ocean will be the backdrop to Di’s upcoming adventure, it all began on the land in Eurora in country Victoria, Australia.

Di explains: “After my partner got over the fact that not only had I applied, but that the Clipper Race had actually accepted my application, he knew I'd need some help paying for the privilege so he offered to sell the heifers to help me out.

“That was actually a huge gesture on his part as they were supposed to be part of ongoing breeding program for the farm. I am eternally grateful and although I kind of dragged him kicking and screaming into my dream of real sailing, I think that shows his commitment and support of what he calls my insanity!”

Di’s partner has another Australian, Sanya Serenity Coast Skipper Wendy Tuck, to thank for initially sparking Di’s interest in the Clipper Race.

She says: “I read an article in Afloat magazine about Wendy Tuck being first Australian female Skipper of Clipper Race.

“I was coming to grips with recovering from smashed kneecap and had lost my confidence in pretty much everything. But I have two mottos in life which have brought me through some very difficult times in life and one of those is, ‘I won't let the bastards beat me!’. So, my determination really kicked in after reading the article on Wendy and I signed up without telling my partner till later!”

Di will be joining PSP Logistics in Fremantle for the All Australian Leg 4 and admits it was hard at times following them from afar during the opening three races.

“I so wanted to be there sharing the experience. I was so very proud of my team at how they handled the altercation with the whale and broken starboard rudder after leaving Punta del Este. I felt very lucky to know that someone like David Wilson is so cool calm collected and capable of finding a way to make it safe enough to limp back to Uruguay.

“Love my Crew Mates, love the camaraderie and love that we are mostly old enough to know how not to sweat the small stuff.”

As well as honing her sailing skills, Di hopes that her Clipper Race journey will inspire others, saying: “It is the most wonderful way to teach people about lifting each other above the troubles and misery the world can throw at us.

“It’s an unbelievable dream come true sailing part of the Southern Ocean, and finally making it to Airlie Beach which we have yet to do in our boat, but above all, the incredible experience of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. I have watched this race for many years prior to even coming into contact with a boat of any kind and never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe I would have the opportunity to race in it.”

To find out when the Clipper Race fleet will start arriving in Fremantle, see the latest ETA’s on the website and the Race Viewer.

There will be many opportunities to get involved in the stopover, including open boat tours of the Clipper 70s. For more information, see the Fremantle Host Port Page on the Clipper Race website.