A skipper from Titchfield is set to return to the seas for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Pete Stirling
Pete Stirling will enter this year’s challenge having raced as a skipper on board Jamaica Lightning Bolt in the Clipper 09-10 Race.
Despite missing out on a podium finish by just six points, Stirling has high hopes on achieving a top-three finish in the upcoming race.
“I had a fantastic time, learnt a lot and made some great friends, which is one reason why I want to do it again,” said the 47-year-old.
“During the Clipper 09-10 race, my crew and I never actually won an individual leg though we did get four second places and three third places and finished in fifth overall. This time I want to improve on our overall finish position and win a few of the individual races.”
The race will start this summer and the sailors return almost a year later after completing the 40,000 mile route, making it the world’s longest ocean race.
Stirling is one of 12 elite skippers selected to lead an entry in the ninth edition of the race. He and Gosport-based Gareth Glover will be returning for a second time, while Oliver Cotterell, from the Isle of Wight will be taking to the competition for the first time leading a team of non-professional sailors.
It was founded in 1996 by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed, non-stop around the world in 1968-69.
Race Skippers
“The standard of applicants for this race was high and the successful candidates have been through a rigorous and challenging selection process to get to this point. I am sure that they will relish the challenges to come,” said Sir Robin.
“I know that we have chosen an exceptional group of people to undertake the task of leading our crews around the world.
“This group of skippers can look forward to being the first to race on the new fleet of Clipper 70s, but the focus remains the same as in previous races with the emphasis on motivating the crew and maintaining their safety while remaining competitive in all conditions.”