Professional sailor Ibrahim Uzunoglu swaps charters for racing

From the Med to the South China Sea: professional sailor Ibrahim Uzunoglu swaps charters for racing  

“You can’t assume just because you have qualifications that you will know everything. I feel like I must pay as much attention as someone who is just starting to sail.” 

Ibrahim Uzunoglu, otherwise known as Ibra, is going to be racing as part of Team Oli during Leg 5: The Asia Pacific Challenge of the upcoming Clipper 2025-26 Race.  

We often tell the stories of those who sign up to the Clipper Race a long time in advance or without having any sailing experience, but Ibra’s story is a little different. Ibra is a commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster Offshore who splits his time between his base in Thames Ditton, Surrey, and Fethiye, Turkey, and works for numerous Mediterranean-based yachting businesses.  

Talking about his sailing background, he says: “I started sailing in 2013. I went to courses and built up my sailing experience and in 2021 I did my RYA Yachtmaster Offshore. I started working for companies after that and I'm really enjoying it.   

“This race, though, is completely different! I do a lot of cruising where we try and keep the boat flat! Just because I am a Yachtmaster Offshore, doesn’t mean I’ll necessarily know everything when you’re looking at a big boat like this. It is like being a beginner in some ways and you need to pay attention and learn. 

“It is fantastic though – a new way of sailing. An adventure and wonderful boats to be on.” 

Although Ibra’s application to the Clipper Race was a last-minute entry in May, it has been something he’s considered for a while. Explaining his journey, he said: “I looked into applying for Clipper Race just after the COVID-19 pandemic but got halfway through and stopped.  

“This year, I planned to do it and had a conversation with my son who said “how about the Clipper Race, Dad?” and after that conversation I saw an Instagram ad saying “You can still join on!” so I clicked on the application, and I loved the look of it! 

“I carried on from my half application and here I am! It was certainly last minute.” 

Despite a last-minute application, and his existing sailing credentials, Ibra, like every other crew member, must complete all four levels of compulsory Clipper Race training before he joins his teammates for Leg 5 in early 2026. Ibra has opted to do all four levels of training back-to-back. Speaking about how it’s going, he said: “I have done three levels, having just one week off before my Level 4. I wanted to do it together to get a sense of what it might be like on a leg – and I would really recommend people doing it that way too.   

“I have never met such an interesting bunch of Skippers and Mates – so knowledgeable. I am so impressed with them and very pleased there’s such good staff here at Clipper Race.” 

Leg 5: The Asia Pacific Challenge is renowned for its challenging conditions and energising close racing. A multi-stage leg, there tends to be a lengthy first race followed by some fantastic shorter tactical sprinting around Asia, and an equator crossing. Totalling around 35 days of racing, it’s a long, hot leg that takes a lot of focus and persistence. Ibra says: “This time I’m doing Leg 5, I want to see the hot weather, cross the equator and see things I don’t get to normally. 

“In the future, if I am still fit and strong enough, I would like to do more. Maybe encourage my kids to do more, too.” 

When it comes to family, Ibra's children are highly supportive of his adventures. He says: “My kids are so pushing me in a way! When I told them, they said “Sounds great dad, go for it!” 

For his Team Oli teammates, there will be plenty to discuss between intense racing. “I am interested in so many wide subjects, and I like to do lots of different courses. One day I would love to go to Greenland.” Ibra added.  

Feel inspired by Ibra’s story? With limited availability on selected legs, there’s still time to sign up and train for the adventure of a lifetime. To find out more, download an info pack or enquire, head to the application page of the website.