Another podium for Dare To Lead

Crossing the Finish Line at 13:32:52UTC on 10 December, Dare To Lead claimed its second consecutive podium of the Clipper 2023-24 Race, placing third on the Race 4: Marlow Roaring Forties Challenge.

Image: Dare To Lead arrives in Fremantle

The team docked alongside in Fremantle after an incredible race from Cape Town. Skipper Ryan Gibson, First Mate Charlie Warhurst and the crew managed to keep a strong front pack position for most of the 4,700nm race across the Roaring Forties with 27.8 knots its top boat speed.

Image: Dare To Lead team docks in Fremantle

Ryan said as the team arrived in Fremantle: “To get into Australia in third place is amazing! It was a good race, testing of course, but everyone enjoyed it. The Scoring Gate and Ocean Sprint really kept us going. Everyone was motivated from the start and we kept it going until the end. I’m extremely proud of the team, especially on this leg with everyone out of their comfort zone. Let’s just keep the momentum going forward!”

AQP Charlie Warhurst added: “I’m very happy with the result. It’s exactly what we were looking for, just getting some consistency in our results. It’s a pleasure to be here, it’s nice and warm which is a change from the past race!”

Luci Mensah, one of the Dare To Lead Ambassadors who joined Leg 3 having never sailed before taking on the Clipper Race said: “I feel wonderful! I am really excited and overwhelmed it’s a great feeling. I wish I could do it again. The most incredible thing was the team bonding, and I would do this race again over and over again! This is a very humbling experience. I’m so glad I did it and I would never change it for anything in the world.”

Image: Dare To Lead Ambassador Luci Mensah

The team celebrated with fizz, beers and a sausage sizzle hosted by the Fremantle Sailing Club, ready to relax and enjoy the Aussie sunshine during the stopover.

Image: Dare To Lead celebrating in Fremantle

Dirk Van Daele, on behalf of Team Partner Dare To Lead said "Congratulations team Dare To Lead.

"You have aimed for the podium and worked extremely hard to consistently lead by example.

"In addition to securing third place into Fremantle, by my calculation, you will become top of the leader board overall when race and Scoring Gate points are added after this leg. An incredible achievement!

"I must also mention our first Ambassador - Luci. You have taken on one of the toughest legs in the race. I know you have suffered sea sickness at times but that you recognise the impact this experience is and will have on you.

"Well done everyone. Enjoy Fremantle and all the well earned 'luxuries' of dry land."