Clipper Round the World 09-10
Colin de Mowbray, Commodore, CRYC
Crew who have competed in any of the Clipper Races are eligible to join the Clipper Race Yacht Club. With six races to date, plus those signed up for Clipper 09-10, there are now more than 2,000 people who can claim the distinction of calling themselves Clipper crew. The CRYC is seen as a logical way to bring some gentle order to this special group of adventurers.
The Club was officially launched on 24 April 2009 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the President, along with the two Vice Presidents, Sir Keith Mills (Ariel – Clipper 98) and Gordon Whiteley (Chrysolite – Clipper 96).
The aim of the Club, which has initially been formed under the Clipper Ventures umbrella but will be run by the committee and its members, is to create an association of Clipper alumni to the mutual advantage of all parties – and for the purpose of having fun.
If there’s fun to be had Club Commodore, Colin de Mowbray, is likely to be at the centre of the action. He skippered Chrysolite in the first Clipper Race in 1996 and has been involved ever since, first as Race Director and latterly as Operations Director. He says, “I have always been conscious of the many active groups of ex-crew members and the continuing friendships that stem from taking part in the race. I believe nothing could be more logical than to have some type of informal framework to join everyone together, hence the CRYC.”
For more about the Clipper Race Yacht Club and how to join, visit their website.