Future Crew Catch Up - Alex Laline

This week we catch up with 2015-16 crew member, Alex Laline, a student from Spain who has lived in Bali with his family for the last ten years.

Alex recently completed his Level 1 training at our Sydney training centre in Australia, which offers crew the opportunity to complete Level’s 1 to 3 of the four compulsory courses, right through to June 2015.

A lover of the sea, Alex grew up in an environment where sailing was always present, embarking on his first cruise when he was four years old.

Why is Alex planning to sail around the world? Why does Alex think you need to have spare change for arrival into the marina? Let’s find out in today’s edition of Future Crew Friday.

Name: Alex Laline
Age: 18
Nationality: Spanish (living in Bali)
Occupation: Student
Signed up for: Clipper 2015-16 Race, round the world

What led you to sign up for the Clipper Race?
When I was 14 years old, I was reading a sports newspaper when I read about “An Amateur Race Around the World.” From that moment the Clipper Race became my main objective.

Why did you choose the full circumnavigation?
Throughout my whole life I've been a passionate about sailing in a competition, especially long races as they become much more than a competition. It becomes a challenge to face extreme situations daily, experience nature intensely, overcoming oneself and facing your fears. It’s an exciting challenge within you.

Having recently finished my studies and knowing that I want to pursue the world of sailing professionally, the Clipper Race for me is not just an adventure, not just a dream since I was a child, it is also a unique opportunity to reach my goal: to professionally devote myself to the sport that I love so much.

That's where everything starts, the thought of participating in a race round the world is a challenge that I want to achieve.

What has been the highlight of your Clipper Race experience so far?
I don’t think I can talk about just one highlight because the whole experience in itself, for me, is the highlight.

As an experienced sailor, what have you found the most challenging so far?
In my opinion, the challenge begins when we cast off. At sea the challenge is constant, and you are always exposed to difficult situations that you have to overcome.

What advice would you give to someone waiting to do their Level 1 training?
To consider all of the essential information for the upcoming training levels and of course, not to forget to take enough money to invite fellow team mates for beers when you arrive at the marina!

What do your family and friends think about you taking part in the race?
They know it is a very good opportunity for me and they support me unconditionally. My parents have been sailors since they were very young and for them, that I go on this adventure means somehow that they experience it with me.

Moreover, I have my sister and although she's not so involved in the world of sailing, she knows it very well and her moral support is very important to me.

I think I am very lucky to have a family that supports me in this dream.

If you are interested in joining Alex in the next edition of the race that starts next summer, or a future race, contact us here.