Clipper Race announces line up of First Mates who'll lead non-professionals on endurance challenge
by Clipper Race 26 Apr 2025 10:21 UTC
Clipper Race announces line up of First Mates who'll lead non-professionals on endurance challenge of a lifetime © Clipper Race
The Clipper Race First Mates who will be helping to lead a team in the toughest endurance challenge on the planet have been announced.
Each First Mate will assist their Race Skipper in leading teams of non-professionals, as they complete six ocean crossings on the 40,000 nautical mile, eleven-month race around the globe. The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers and compete in this sailing challenge of a lifetime.
This edition sees sailing professionals hailing from the UK, Ireland and Germany. Two of the First Mates have followed the Clipper Race professional pathway, after completing previous editions of the challenge as Race Crew.
Diana Vega from Cowes, Isle of Wight, said: "My appointment as a First Mate is a validation of all my learning, hard work and perseverance accumulated over the past years. Breaking into the offshore sailing industry isn't always easy, and working as a First Mate for the Clipper Race is a symbolic point after a long journey of gaining the experience and confidence needed for the role. For me, my sailing career represents endurance, commitment and determination; which resonate with this next chapter."
The next edition will start from Portsmouth on 31 August and over the course of the almost yearlong event, participants will face all that Mother Nature can throw at them. From hurricane force winds, to blistering heat, the isolation of the North Pacific Ocean to learning to live on board a yacht with stripped back facilities and up to 22 others - this event is a true test of mental and physical fortitude.
These highly skilled sailors, whose accolades include Atlantic Ocean crossings, a wealth of sailing instruction, volunteer work with sailing charities and organisations, and an admirable checklist of offshore races, will work closely with their Skipper, utilising their sailing experience and supporting the goals of their appointed team. They will not only work towards gaining those all-important places on the podium, but apply their knowledge to help create a competent, safe and competitive race team.
The Clipper 2025-26 First Mate line up:
- Amy Smith, from Somerset, UK
- Ben Birley, from Cumbria, UK
- Brian Uniacke, from Dublin, Ireland
- Diana Vega, from the Isle of Wight, UK
- Faith Nordbruch, from the Isle of Wight, UK
- Jade Golder, from Surrey, UK
- Lorraine O Hanlon, from Kinsale, Ireland
- Millie Apperley, from West Yorkshire, UK
- Otto Kulow, from Leipzig, Germany (born Harrogate, UK)
- Zoe Longley, from Derbyshire, UK
All First Mates go through a rigorous selection process led by the Clipper Race Management Team. The team's Race Director, Deputy Race Director and Race Manager have all competed as Race Skippers on previous editions and therefore understand the unique requirements of this role.
Max Rivers, Deputy Race Director, said: "Our talented First Mates all hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification and have plenty of experience to go with it. From Skippering yachts, carrying out deliveries and teaching RYA accredited courses, they have sailed all over the world and come from diverse maritime backgrounds. We look forward to incorporating their skills and knowledge into the Clipper Race challenge ahead.
"Their primary role throughout the race is to support the team skipper in all aspects of boat management, meaning this bunch are not only great sailors but also teachers, leaders and mentors for the Race Crew."
The Clipper Race has created a pathway to becoming a sailing professional and on previous editions has supported Race Crew to progress through the ranks including from participant to First Mate to Skipper.
Lorraine O Hanlon from Kinsale, Ireland, is a former Clipper Race circumnavigator who has returned as a First Mate for the 2025-26 edition. She said: "The isolation and intensity of life at sea will test my resilience, as we'll be living in close quarters, facing extreme weather conditions and pushing limits. However, I see these sacrifices as investments in personal growth, this experience will undoubtedly shape anyone who undertakes this adventure in profound ways."
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, thirty years ago (March 1995) and trains people from all walks of life to learn seamanship and become ocean racers. Each participant must complete four stages of intensive training before signing up for one or multiple legs or the full 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation. The fleet of ten matched Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts makes six ocean crossings - including the North Pacific - and the Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race to cross this vast and unforgiving ocean.
The race makes 14 ports of call on its global route and on the upcoming route, Portsmouth (UK), Cape Town (South Africa), Qingdao (China) and Tongyeong City (Korea), Seattle (USA) and Oban (Scotland) have been announced.
Applications are still open for crew to sign up to participate on the Clipper 2025-26 Race. To find out more visit clipperroundtheworld.com