Next generation of adventurers wanted for world's longest ocean race

Team Garmin in the 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Race © Abner Kingman

The world's longest ocean race and only event of its kind for amateurs is calling for adventurers to take on the challenge of a lifetime and achieve something extraordinary in the next edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Race organisers will hit the road next week to host a series of talks across the UK in the search for those eager to test their limits beyond belief.. Anyone that attends to find out how they can take part will automatically be entered into a draw for a place on board the first of four levels of training required to take part in the race worth £1,085.

Clipper Race recruiter and circumnavigator, Della Parsons says: "I can't wait to get out there and meet more people that want to be part of this unique challenge and join the elite group of ocean racers.

"More and more people are looking for something different these days, something extraordinary that will really push their limits and test the boundaries of what they thought they were capable of. It's my job to make them aware that it's here."

Now in its 19th year, the Clipper Race was founded by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in 1968/9 and is the only event where people from all walks of life, regardless of previous sailing experience, can race around the world under sail.

40 per cent of crew have no sailing experience before they sign up to the 40,000 mile- long challenge that takes almost a year to complete on board a matched fleet of twelve Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts.

In the 2013-14 Race, 670 people from more than 40 different countries took part. The 2015-16 edition starts next summer and will be the event's tenth anniversary series.

The route is split into eight legs, which cover a total of 16 individual races and crew can either sign up for the whole circumnavigation or choose to compete in individual legs.

For those wishing to find out about the race, former Clipper Race crew members and race recruiter Della Parsons will be talking on the following dates:

November:

• Sheffield - Monday 10 November - Holiday Inn Royal Victoria, 6:30pm
• Hull - Thursday 13 November – Holiday Inn Express Hull City Centre, 6:30pm
• Leeds - Saturday 15 November –Holiday Inn Express Leeds Armouries, 10:30am
• Cardiff - Monday 24 November – Cardiff Marriott, 6:30pm
• Bristol - Wednesday 26 November – Bristol Marriott Cabot Circus, 6:30pm
• London - Friday 28 November – Little Ship Club, 10:00am

• Newcastle - Monday 8 December – Holiday In Express Newcastle City Centre, 6:30pm
• Liverpool - Thursday 11 December – Holiday Inn Express Liverpool Albert Dock, 6:30pm
• Manchester - Saturday 13 December – Holiday Inn Manchester Media City UK, 10:30am