A sailor from Berkhamsted is set to take on one of the toughest jobs in sailing.
Gavin Rees will lead one of 11 teams of non-professional sailors during The Clipper Race, the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers and take on a tough endurance challenge.
Gavin and his team will take on the 40,000-mile race around the globe over 11 months.
HR director Gavin was originally inspired to circumnavigate following a school visit from Clipper Race founder, and first person to sail around the world single-handed, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.
Gavin has taken every opportunity to sail – whether that be coastal cruising or longer offshore passages. He has also raced around the cans and in the RORC Offshore series including the Rolex Fastnet Race. Most recently, Gavin has spent time as a Clipper Race training instructor, putting future Clipper Race crew members through their paces.
Talking about his love of sailing, Gavin said: “I can’t wait to spend a year sailing around the globe, because every day on the water is different. It brings new opportunities to work as a team, to overcome whatever challenges may come along, and to sail fast and safe. That feeling the whole crew are going to have at the end is going to be fab!”
He also has a more personal reason for taking on this endurance challenge.
He continued: “I really want to set an example to my two daughters, Mollie and Bethan, that they should follow their dreams in life!”
The race will start from Portsmouth on Sunday, August 31. Over the course of the almost year-long event, over 700 participants will face hurricane force winds, blistering heat, and the isolation of the North Pacific Ocean – all while learning to live aboard a yacht with up to 23 others.
Clipper Race director Dale Smyth said: “Our selection process is tough and rightly so, as these individuals are taking on one of the toughest jobs in the global sailing industry. They need to not only be incredibly good sailors but able to lead, inspire and look after a big team of diverse individuals across the harshest oceans on the planet.”
Photo: Clipper Ventures
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