Meet the Crew: Lucie Ward

British crew member Lucie Ward of Lymington, Hampshire, needed a new challenge before she turned 30. She had never sailed before, but when she typed ‘challenge’ into Google, the race came up.

Lucie says: “I need an adventure outside my comfort zone. There’s no point doing something you've done before or got loads of experience with - that's not a real challenge. I was amazed when I got accepted.”

Name: Lucie Ward
Age: 29
Occupation: Hospitality Manager
Team: Garmin
Signed up for: Clipper 2015-16 Race, The Asia Pacific Leg 5

What has been your most memorable moment at sea so far?
There are so many – the Clipper Race is my wonderland away from reality! The first time I sailed on a Clipper 70 and it heeled right over, I thought, hang on - this is pretty cool! Also, during sailing on Level 4 with some of my fellow Garmin crew, I laughed so much my cheeks hurt more than my arms after that week! I am so blessed to have such an incredible team around.

How has your training fostered a sense of team?
I have been so lucky. All my levels of training have been with incredible people. Each week has been so different too. Living in close proximity with strangers - how can you not develop a sense of team - particularly in an environment that is an extreme for us all.

What qualities do you bring to the team?
Unfortunately for Ash and the Garmin team, I am not going to take the sailing world by storm. However I hope my team leave their experience a little happier, lighter minded (we all have some big and very personal goals) and feeling ready to take on the world having spent some time with me. I am hoping to be able to motivate people.

To be the best at anything always requires a sacrifice of some sort, whether that’s putting training before your social or family life, following a rigid diet, or simply putting in the hours. What sacrifices have you made to get this far?
If I'm brutally honest, I am doing this as I Iack so many of those things.Work and spending time with my dogs will be the only sacrifice. Hence, adventure, new people and new places.

What has been the toughest moment this far?
I am so used to being alone that I have struggled with the close proximity of having so many new people around in such a small space! The funniest thing is I get home and miss them dreadfully - even the 'characters'. Also, conquering fear. Rigging a preventer in a Force 7/8 - up at the bow – that was a touch scary! I did it though.

What are you hoping to get out of the race?
I hope I will maintain the amazing friendships I have developed. I look forward to making more as my Clipper Race world evolves. Many are looking to change themselves or find themselves, I don't need to change or find me, that was never the goal - just feel better about being me.