An adventure Hunter

“Don’t underestimate just how isolated you really are once you get out into the open ocean…but that’s the challenge” 

At 54, with his children having flown the nest, and a job that supported his need for adventure, Hunter Wright chose ocean racing.  

Growing up between Melbourne and Sydney, Hunter fell in love with the ocean when he was serving in the Australian Army, describing the big swells he experienced as 'humbling when you realise just how insignificant you are out at sea'. And he wanted more of it.  

Image: Hunter makes himself at home on board his Team Power of Seattle Sports yacht

After being on his bucket list for over 20 years, Hunter described the Clipper Race as providing “the perfect ingredients for his next great adventure”.  

He said: “The fact that the race is a serious, emotional, and physical race is what made me want to compete. I’m comfortable working in these environments on land; at sea is just another great experience.”  

Describing himself as a novice sailor – or a ‘sailing newbie’ as he put it - Hunter competed on Leg 6 of the Clipper 2025-26 Race, racing from Qingdao, China to Tongyeong, Korea, then on to Seattle USA – taking on the mighty North Pacific along the way.  

Image: Hunter faces the North Pacific

Despite having over 5,000 nautical miles under his belt, Hunter reflects on what the adventure meant to him, saying: "My only reflection is that I didn't spend enough time on the boat; I should have done more! 

"What the Clipper Race gives you is the opportunity to learn to sail these big vast oceans. 

"Sailing and being in a race is an emotional ride, something I'd not had before. You can do your biking, your skiing, your running, but the world is 70% water, and it really gets you amongst it. In short – it's given me a love for racing. 

"There's so much of the world to see. And the fact I can now do it by sail gives a world of opportunity. A spectrum of awesome possibilities." 

This is Hunter’s story.