Clipper Round the World Yacht Race features two female skippers
Thursday 19 March 2015 11:20, UK
The 10th Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will feature two female skippers for the first time in the event’s history.
Toronto’s Diane Reid, 42, will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Eric Holden, who led Team Henry Lloyd to victory in the 2013/14 race.
Wendy Tuck will also lead an amateur crew during the 40,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe and the 50-year-old will also become the first Australian woman to skipper a crew in the race.
Reid said: “The Clipper Race combines all my passions and goals. I want to race round the world stupidly fast and I love teaching sailing. I am a passionate sailor who loves competition and winning, but also loves seeing individuals excel and triumph over hurdles.”
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Clipper Race founder and chairman, added: “In preparation for our 10th edition Clipper Race, I feel very proud to welcome our most diverse and international group of race skippers yet.
“This is the first time we’ve had two women skippers in one race and I very much hope they will inspire future female participation.”
The 2015/16 race departs from England on August 30 and will return almost a year later after the fleet visit six different continents.
Twelve teams, featuring crew from over 40 different countries, will compete in the challenge billed as ‘The Race of Your Life’, but the only professionals on board are the skippers.
