Skippers Wanted For Clipper Round the World Race

30th March 2016

To apply to be a Clipper Skipper you'll need to hold an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate [commercially endorsed] and have at least 30,000 miles offshore experience on big boats, but also the skills needed go well beyond the professional requisites or normal job requirements.

The world's longest ocean race is seeking 12 extraordinary Skippers to lead its crews around the globe in the next edition of the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race. Are you good enough to take on the job?

Founded by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the Clipper Race gives Skippers the opportunity to tick off the ultimate sailing bucket list - circumnavigation.

Clipper Race skippers are extremely special individuals, able to withstand huge physical and mental challenges to successfully lead their team through Mother Nature's toughest environments.

To apply you'll need to hold an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate [commercially endorsed] and have at least 30,000 miles offshore experience on big boats, but also the skills needed go well beyond the professional requisites or normal job requirements.

As well as outstanding sailing skills, successful Skippers will need excellent people management and leadership skills.

Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston warns skippers must be prepared to be truly exhausted, physically battered and mentally fatigued.

Clipper 2013-14 Race winning Skipper Eric Holden added: "A Clipper Race skipper is not a job to be undertaken lightly. It requires your full dedication for 18 months. You will be responsible for the welfare of over 50 individuals as you lead them around the world.

"If you're up for it you will be rewarded with incredible adventures, amazing sailing, and lifelong friendships. To win not only requires top notch seamanship and navigation, but the ability to bring the team along with you."

Clipper 2017-18 Skipper interviews are taking place right now. Click here for the full list of qualifications and skills and how to apply.

Published in Clipper Race

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Clipper Round The World Race

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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.