Throwback Thursday: Crew centre stage in Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

This time last year, the world’s media were gathering in Sydney to interview Clipper Race crew as they prepared to take centre stage in the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Race (RSHYR).

The 2013-14 crew made race history as the first Clipper Race crew to compete in the classic race as part of their circumnavigation. Two crew members also made it into the RSHYR’s history books; Masibulele ‘Sbu’ Liyaba as the first black South African and Vicky Song as the first Chinese woman to participate in the 69 year history of the race.

The marina at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was buzzing with activity in the lead up to the highly tactical and notoriously challenging race. 22 of the 94 registered yacht entries were international with 12 of those entries being represented by the Clipper 70 fleet and race crew caused high levels of intrigue as journalists and professional sailors were impressed by the unique challenge our crew were undertaking.

Doubling as Race 6, crew were not only preparing to take on their fellow Clipper Race competitors once again but also to take their first tough test against professional competitors.

For Josephine Martin a 66 year-old from Adelaide who took part in Leg 4, 7 and 8 on board Team Garmin, the experience was beyond her wildest dreams.

Josephine said: “The wonderful thing about the Clipper Race is it provides opportunities for people to train up and become sailors. The thought of completing the RSHYR gave me a tremendous sense of satisfaction. This was my Everest.”

Speaking in Sydney, Sir Robin, who also competed in the RSHYR on board CV10, said: “Whilst Clipper Race crew are officially known as amateurs, none of their competitors have crossed the North Atlantic, South Atlantic and Roaring Forties and taken on the Southern Ocean on their way to the start line.

“Our race crew have trained in the toughest conditions on the planet, and are more than capable of this challenge.”

Click here to apply for a crew place in the 2015-16 edition of the Clipper Race, which is already 70% full. No experience is necessary as all training is provided. Around 40% of crew are novices before they embark on our comprehensive pre-race training programme.

Click here to watch the pre-departure Race 6 - Sydney to Hobart Live show replay.

Crew members shared their stories with media such as SBS, Fox News, Channel 7, 9 and 10, the Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, the Daily Telegraph and more.

Click here to see journalist Rupert Guinness of the Sydney Morning Herald explain what makes the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race so special and why the addition of the Clipper Race fleet was so interesting.