JOIN THE ELITE AND HELP LEAD A TEAM IN THE WORLD'S LONGEST ROUND THE WORLD YACHT RACE
Do you have what it takes? Join the Clipper Race in order to complete a full circumnavigation as a Professional Mate on board a Clipper race yacht. You will support the Skipper, who is in charge of a team of approximately 60 crew, with up to 22 crew on board at any one time.
The Role
What's involved
Being the First Mate on board, you will work closely with the Skipper around the world and be responsible for the vessel in any situation where the Skipper is unable to take command. You will be fully supported by the Clipper Race Team at all times. You should be an experienced sailor and be passionate about the development of people, both personally and practically, to help create a competent and competitive race team. You’ll play a key role in maintaining the highest safety standards while coaching and developing Race Crew worldwide.
The Benefits
Achieve a Circumnavigation
As a First Mate, you’ll take on one of sailing’s ultimate challenges—circumnavigating the globe under race conditions. This extraordinary experience will test your seamanship, decision-making, and leadership at the highest level. Battling the world’s toughest oceans while supporting the skipper and driving the team forward, you’ll finish the race knowing that if you can master this, there’s nothing in sailing beyond your reach.
Clipper RX
The newest fleet edition
Developed in-house using 30 years of Clipper Race experience and input from 7,000+ crew, the next-generation 72ft fleet builds on three proven yacht designs. Led by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston with Nigel Irens and Fish Composites, the 12 identical yachts will race across six continents and the world’s most demanding oceans, including the Southern Ocean and North Pacific.
Role Requirments
Supporting the Skipper in all aspects of running the vessel.
To ensure safety and seamanship is maintained to a high standard.
To assume control of the vessel as instructed by the Clipper Race Director.
Race Crew training and development around the world.
Maintaining the vessel to the highest operating standards.
In port duties including; corporate sailing, events and assisting the Clipper Race Team.
RYA Yachtmaster Offshore with commercial endorsement
ENG1 Seafarer’s medical certificate
RYA Diesel Engine
STCW Basic Safety Training
Accredited Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate (Level 2)
In addition, a RYA Cruising Instructor qualification is highly desirable
Professionalism
Leadership
Safety
Excellent communication skills (fluent English, spoken and written)
Offshore sailing, training and development
Racing experience (highly desirable)
Yes, all applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom from March 2027 - September 2028. *Please note: there is limited potential for those with non UK work permit to be considered. Please flag your work status during your application.
Do you have what it takes?
Recruitment for First Mates for the Clipper 2027-28 Race is now open.
Apply Now