Level 4 training is designed to feel like the real thing - full watches, mock races, and every evolution under race conditions. We swapped out the faded red Clipper foulies for our official yellow “banana suits” and set off across the English Channel, battling seasickness, testing storm sails, and learning how to push the boat to its limits. By the time we hit our 24-hour mock race, we’d made every mistake in the book - wrapped spinnakers, lost halyards, even ripped a sail - but we came out laughing, competitive, and ready for what’s next: the real race.

One unforgettable week, one unforgettable crew. During my Level 3 Clipper Race training, a boat full of strangers became the most fun and cohesive team I’ve ever sailed with. Between kite hoists, MOB drills, karaoke in Cowes, and spontaneous knot lessons, we found rhythm, laughter, and the kind of connection I hope to find on every leg of the race.

Crew Allocation Day marks the moment the Clipper Race stops being theoretical and starts feeling real. In a single afternoon, strangers become crewmates, and the dream of sailing around the world gains names, faces, and stories. In this post, I share first impressions, early connections, and what it felt like to meet the crew I’ll cross oceans with.

I’ve officially signed up to sail around the world as part of the 2025–26 Clipper Race - one of the only global sailing challenges open to amateur sailors. It’s equal parts surreal and exhilarating. This is more than just a bucket list item; it’s a deep dive into uncertainty, growth, and the kind of challenge I’ve been craving. Welcome to Clipper Chronicles - where I’ll share the highs, lows, prep, and whatever salty chaos unfolds along the way.