So lots has been happening in the world of Clippers since my last update. We had a great week doing Nav and Met, although we were slightly jealous of all the PART B courses heading out into the Solent every day!We covered the IRPCS (International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea), as well as Meteorology and Chart Work. To begin with the general consensus was that it’s extremely presumptuous of Clippers to call it a ‘Round the World’ yacht race – we would have been lucky to make it round the Isle of Wight! However by the end of the week it all began to fall into place and the prospect of getting round the globe seemed a little bit more achievable. Still, I am wondering how easy it will all be when the boat is heeled over in a Force 9 in the Southern Ocean?? I’ll let you know how I get on with the plotter and dividers when I’m out there….
Still, I met some great people and passed the exams for my Yachtmaster onshore, so all in all a good week.
The big news however is from Crew Allocation!! Didn’t end up on Hull and Humber, although apparently there were over 80 requests for this boat from people much more local to the area than myself. I have however ended up on a boat which has an overwhelming presence from the North West! Its looking likely it will be sponsored by Liverpool! Unfortunately there’s not much more of an update I can give you on that, except that until its confirmed in a few weeks time, I’m officially a member of the CV2 crew!! Anyway, more news on that as we find out…
I also got to meet my skipper and crew for the first time. I’m really pleased that we’ve ended up with one of the most experienced skippers doing the race who has sailed the Atlantic no less that 18 times already!! There also seems to be some very good experience within the crew as well, so as well as having a lot of fun on the way, we should be able to be a seriously competitive boat! The demographic seems quite young and as with most of the boats we have a good balance of males and females and a few different nationalities thrown in as well!
I’m now back in London, where I will be resuming working with sponsors. It has now been confirmed that the race will be stopping in Cape Town, and its 90% likely to be Perth. As soon we know this I can start organising my client events!
There are loads more events coming up over the next few months as well – 2 PART C courses, additional specialist training courses, crew weekend away etc. so I’ll be kept busy.
Until next time…
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