Three sailors from Hampshire have been named among the twelve professionals who will each lead a team in the tenth edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Greg Miller, 39 and Jim Prendergast, 40, from Gosport, along with Max Stunell, 34, from Portsmouth, will each lead their amateur crew’s through Mother Nature’s toughest environments in the 40,000 nautical mile challenge which starts from the UK on August 30, 2015.
Greg, who spent 24 years serving in the British Army, believes his knowledge of the oceans will be of benefit to his crew.
He said: “I have vast experience, sailing different vessels in varying conditions. From the cold climate of the Arctic circle to the heat of the Caribbean Sea, from the calms of the Mediterranean to the ferocity of the Southern Ocean.
“I am already a Clipper Race training skipper and timing was perfect for the tenth edition of the race because of my discharge from the Army. It was the next natural progression.”
Jim and Max have also been Clipper Race training skippers for the last few years, so they too have great insight into the race and the high standards that are expected from them.
Max (pictured above) says: “To put a race campaign together takes a lot more than just being a good sailor.
"To take the boat around the world safely and in a seaman like fashion is as much about living harmoniously for long periods in a confined space as it is about sailing fast.
"As one crew member said to me recently, it is my job to deliver their dreams, which is very apt.”
Jim (pictured above), who used to work as a direct entry watch keeper for HM Coastguard added: “I’ve raced across the Atlantic a couple of times and my first crossing as skipper was very gratifying.
"But it’s been a goal of mine to sail around the world and I want to develop a crew who will be able to sail fast and have fun together while experiencing many different oceans and lands.”
The only race of its kind for amateur sailors was founded by legendary yachtsman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who, in 1969, became the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world.
Speaking about the selection process, Sir Robin said: “Our race skippers are put through rigorous trials before we appoint the successful candidates.
“Nothing can fully prepare you for the challenge of sailing round the world with a crew of amateur sailors. We have to be sure we choose skippers, who not only possess the best sailing skills, but also have the right temperament and are good with people in highly stressful environments.
“It’s a race so of course everyone wants to win. However the most important characteristics for a Clipper Race Skipper are a true sense of seamanship and to be safety conscious. I am sure Greg, Jim and Max will relish the adventure that lies ahead.”
The 2015-16 Race departs from the UK on August 30, 2015 and will return almost a year later. The fleet will visit six different continents in up to 15 individually scored races. The team with the highest total points at the finish wins the Clipper Race Trophy.
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