Former Skipper Of Irish Entry Named Clipper Race Director

3rd December 2016

MacDara Conroy

Mark Light was deputy race director from 2012 after skippering Derry~Londonderry~Doire around the world Credit: Clipper Race

#ClipperRace - Former Derry~Londonderry~Doire skipper Mark Light has been appointed as the new race director of the Clipper Round the World Race.

Light, who replaces Justin Taylor in the role after almost a decade, was previously deputy race director since 2012 after skippering the Irish entry to a strong finish in the 2011-12 edition of the race.

“I am honoured to be named race director of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race,” said Light. “As a former skipper, I know both the challenges and the rewards it offers, and having worked as deputy race director for the previous two race editions I feel prepared and ready to lead the race into the 2017-18 edition and beyond.”

Light’s most immediate responsibilities will include appointing a new deputy race director, and trialling and selecting the 12 professional skippers for the the eleventh edition of the Clipper Race that starts next summer and is expected to be the biggest one to date.

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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.