Skipper Allocation Round-Up

 

As part of the build-up to Crew Allocation, we revealed which of the Skippers will lead the first four teams recently announced for the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

Clipper Race Skippers have one of the most rewarding, and toughest, jobs in sailing. They have been tasked with not only the challenge of circumnavigating the world and leading their crew, and also becoming an ambassador for their Team Partner.

Just like the Clipper Race crew, the Skippers reflect a diverse range of age, gender, and nationalities. The first to have been assigned Team Partner yachts are:

Chris Kobucsh – Qingdao

German yachtsman Chris Kobusch will be at the helm of Qingdao during the 2017-18 race.

“To represent the event’s longest standing Team Sponsor in their seventh consecutive edition of the Clipper Race is an honour, and I’m looking forward to lead the Qingdao team around the world,” says Chris.

Read the full story here

Tristan Brooks – Unicef

Tristan Brooks, from Barmouth, Wales, will lead Unicef, in what will be the team’s second Clipper Race campaign.

“The Unicef boat entry became an icon of the Clipper Race fleet during the last edition of the race. It was a fantastic fundraising emblem that generated much needed awareness and engagement around the world and I look forward to building on that success in this year’s campaign," says Tristian.

Read the full story here

Nikki Henderson – Visit Seattle

British sailor Nikki Henderson, the youngest ever Clipper Race Skipper, has been confirmed as the leader of Visit Seattle.

Nikki says: “The residents and industries of Seattle are all about welcoming diversity and culture, fostering art and creativity, getting outdoors and encouraging adventure – these are all values that I share and I am looking forward to representing the city of Seattle as a business and tourist destination around the world.”

Read the full story here

Wendy Tuck – Sanya Serenity Coast

Wendy Tuck, the only Australian skipper to compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race twice, has been revealed as Sanya Serenity Coast’s inaugural skipper.

Wendy says: “I’m looking forward to getting to know more about China and the tropical holiday destination of Sanya through the knowledge of our onboard Ambassador Crew who will help myself and our team fly the flag for Sanya throughout the race.”

Read the full story here

We wish all twelve Skippers and their teams all the best in their Clipper 2017-18 Race campaigns.