In July 2018 two inspirational women skippers Wendy Tuck and Nikki Henderson made history when they took 1st & 2nd places in the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race.

The Clipper Race is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other. With no previous sailing experience necessary, it’s a record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

It’s the brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world exactly fifty year ago.

A chance meeting in Liverpool at the race start in 2017 changed the course of my life forever.

Even though I’ve never sailed before, this June I’m racing on Leg 8: The Atlantic Homecoming Leg of the 2019-20 race from New York back to London.

My team Dare To Lead is one of the eleven identical yachts, each with a fully qualified professional skipper and first mate. Crew members can choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select individual legs. Just like me, 40% of the crew have never sailed prior to doing 4 weeks of intensive training.

The best thing about the Clipper Race is that it enables men and women to race as equals. Every crew member is expected to tackle all roles onboard wherever possible. During my training I have met the most amazing group of people from all backgrounds who come from all over the world. We share the common goal of wanting to face the challenges Mother Nature has to throw at us while enjoying her beauty.