Garda Preps for Clipper Race Challenge

23rd January 2013

#Clipper - A serving member of An Garda Síochána has launched his bid to compete in the next edition of the Clipper Round-The-World Yacht Race.

Conor O'Byrne, who describes himself as "a keen sailor" with a "burning desire of sailing around the world", has started a blog to record his preparations for and participation in the race, the first leg of which kicks off from England this coming August.

The garda hopes to use his place in the epic voyage to raise awareness for the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit, but also has more personal reasons in mind for the challenge.

"My reason for undertaking the race and being such a long time away from home and sailing in some of the world's most punishing seas was to hopefully build on my character and to learn more about myself and other people in the most extreme conditions.

"I like to be pushed beyond my comfort zone as I enjoy a challenge."

Follow Conor's preparations for the year-long race - which takes a route via South America, South Africa, Australia, China, the USA, Panama, Canada and Northern Ireland - at his Garda Around The World blog HERE.

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MacDara Conroy

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MacDara Conroy is a contributor covering all things on the water, from boating and wildlife to science and business

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About the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

The Clipper Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. Around 40 per cent of crew are novices and have never sailed before starting a comprehensive training programme ahead of their adventure.

This unique challenge brings together everyone from chief executives to train drivers, nurses and firefighters, farmers, airline pilots and students, from age 18 upwards, to take on Mother Nature’s toughest and most remote conditions. There is no upper age limit, the oldest competitor to date is 76.

Now in its twelfth edition, the Clipper 2019-20 Race started from London, UK, on 02 September 2019.