​Meet the Clipper 2017-18 Race Crew: Nick Redman

Name: Nick Redman

Age: 25

Nationality: Australian

Legs: 1, 2 and 4

Team: Liverpool 2018

Time and time again we see that once crew have caught the Clipper Race bug, they just can’t stay away.

Nick Redman, 25 from Sydney, Australia, is one of those crew members. Whilst he originally signed up only to compete in the Atlantic Trade Winds Leg 1, Nick will start his third leg when the All-Australian Leg 4 begins in Fremantle on Saturday 2 December.

“I can't get enough of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, I'm clearly addicted,” says Nick.

“I originally only signed up for Leg 1 and off the back of the amazing time I had sailing down the Atlantic, I immediately signed up for Leg 2. I then had to go catch up with some friends and family which is why I couldn't do Leg 3 but Leg 4 was always beckoning and I couldn't say no could I? Especially when Leg 4 is my hometown race.

“I've spoken to a lot of my team members about this and the one factor we keep coming back to is the fact that the Clipper Race is so different from everyday life and it's that difference and challenge that we are all seeking to embrace and overcome.”

It was a family member who first sparked Nick’s sense of adventure, convincing him that the ultimate ocean challenge was for him.

“My brother-in-law was a round the worlder on Qingdao in the 2015-16 race, and prior to him leaving, everything he spoke about was "Clipper Clipper Clipper". So, when his team came back into Sydney for the Christmas break I asked him whether the race was any good or not and his answer was so simple - "It's the best!". I was already looking for a new adventure to be a part of and based on my brother-in-law's advice I figured why not give the Clipper Race a go. Who knew it would be this big of adventure!"

Nick is part of Liverpool 2018, and the close team dynamic aboard the ‘Pink Panther’ played a huge part in his decision to return for Legs 2 and 4.

He explains: “The highlight so far has been my crew. In particular sailing around the world with an amazing bunch of guys and girls. It's always a big risk to jump on a tiny little tin can with people you don't know and go sailing with them but for Team Liverpool 2018 it has really paid off. Everyone always says that they have the best crew, but I know that ours is better. The camaraderie that we have all developed and the support and love that you get from your mates on the crew can't be beaten.

“I think the other highlight would have to be the actual sailing as well. I've never sailed before in my life and so it's amazing to think that within the space of 12 months I've gone from a complete novice with no sailing experience to a slightly better novice who has raced over 10,000 nautical miles! That's a crazy thought and it's something I'm very proud of.”

Whilst he has enjoyed seeing the world in his race so far, the All-Australian Leg 4 will definitely be a highlight for Nick, who says: “I'm really looking forward to sailing around the coast of my home country, Australia.

“Plus, you can't go past the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race can you? The Sydney Hobart is so iconic within Australia. Literally there are two things that every Aussie does on Boxing day and that's turn on the TV and watch the Ashes and the Sydney to Hobart. To be involved in something so quintessentially Australian is an amazing feeling.

“I think that sailing into Sydney will definitely be a pretty special moment. I'm originally from the north coast of NSW but I grew up in Sydney and every time I come home and see the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House I get a cheeky little grin on my face. I know it's terribly cliched but there really is something wonderful about Sydney and to be able to sail in to my home city, with my team and all my new pink mates, will be great. Plus, my Mum will be there and I'm a massive mumma's boy so what more can I say.”

Liverpool 2018 is currently in eighth place in the overall rankings going into Race 4, having finished ninth, fifth, and eighth in the opening three races. And on the All-Australian Leg, Nick says: “I'm expecting a podium! There I said it. Liverpool 2018 has done really well in each race so far and we've managed to work our way up through the middle order of the fleet but now I'm expecting the team (myself included) to really pull our waterproof socks up and grab a podium finish.”

As well as the 2,500 nautical mile race from Fremantle to Sydney and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, the All-Australian Leg 4 will also include a third and final race from Hobart to the Whitsundays, where the teams will enjoy true Queensland hospitality with the Clipper Race Carnival in Airlie Beach. The Whitsundays is also where Nick is due to end his Clipper Race journey, though even he admits it’s a case of wait and see!

“I can neither confirm nor deny if I will be doing any more legs. I think I might need to have a chat with my bank...”