Derry~Londonderry~Doire Skipper For Clipper Deputy Race Director

23rd December 2016

Dan Smith skippered Northern Ireland's entry to second place in the latest Clipper Race Credit: Clipper Race

#ClipperRace - Derry~Londonderry~Doire skipper Dan Smith has been appointed deputy race director of the Clipper Round the World Race.

Smith, who led the Northern Irish entry to second place in the 10th edition of the race this past summer, takes up the position vacated by his predecessor Mark Light, who was named as the new race director earlier this month.

The 36-year-old from West Kilbride in Scotland helmed Derry~Londonderry~Doire to its best result in the Clipper Race thus far saw, which has seen him shortlisted for RYA Scotland’s Performance of the Year Award.

As deputy race director, Smith’s role will include managing the 12 professional skippers, leading the race office team in each of the international stopover locations, and assisting the race director with the operations and logistics of running the world’s longest ocean race.

“As well as Daniel’s experiences on the race, I was very impressed with his professional attitude and ability to perform under extreme pressure,” said new race director Mark Light. “This was a vital aspect of my hiring decision as I need to have a deputy I can trust to make sure standards and safety are adhered to at all times.

“We welcome Daniel into the Clipper Race family once more and know he will do a fantastic job in his new role.”

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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.