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Tales of adventure on the high seas
Updated: 2008-02-26 07:29
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A very special reunion has taken place for which a steady stream of people wearing red polo shirts descended on Marina at Keppel Bay.
Each of the red shirts carried the logos of Keppel and Uniquely Singapore. They also carried the logo of Clipper--several with the 05-06 race version, more with the 07-08 logo and the newest and least faded with the version in use for the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race worn proudly on the sleeve.
A mixture of round the world crew and leggers mingled easily with each other and, despite completing the challenge at different times, they talked a common language. There was a certain tinge of envy as the current crew shared their experiences which led to lots of enthusiastic nods as they compared notes on the fine art of spinnaker surfing.
It became quickly clear that no matter when the adventure unfolded, all who had experienced the Clipper Race remain deeply inspired by the challenge. It’s the same the world over and no matter which race a crew member has done, there is a strong brotherhood and bond with those who took the plunge, chose to be brave, turned their back on convention and got repaid with the richest set of experiences possible.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, founder of the Clipper Race, was there to give a short speech and confirming his long held belief that participating in the Clipper Race truly broadens people’s horizons.
Clipper is now busy recruiting for the 11-12 race and if you are a Singapore resident, there are several opportunities to learn how you can get on board while the race is in town. Recruitment manager David Cusworth will be giving a series of presentations in the Island Suite, Marina at Keppel Bay, and he will be joined by current and past crew members from the Uniquely Singapore yacht.
Forty percent of the crew on the current race had never stepped on a yacht in their life before but, thanks to a comprehensive training programme, they were quick to grasp all that was required to complete the adventure. The first part of that training can be completed in Singapore thanks to an agreement between Clipper Training and the RYA-accredited Keppel Bay Sailing Academy on board one of their fleet of Beneteau 40.7 yachts.
The presentations take place on Thursday 28 January at 7.00pm, Saturday 30 January at 12 noon and on Wednesday 3 February at a drop in session between 7pm and 9pm. All are welcome and the sessions are free to attend.
In February 2011, it could be you in the red shirt, sharing your tales from the high seas as an admiring audience looks on!
Source: Official Website of Clipper Round the World
