With just 111 days, or less than four months to go, until the start of the Clipper 2015-16 Race, the Training Department is a hive of activity as preparations reach a peak.
“This period in the race preparation calendar is always our busiest. With the Aug 30 Race Start date fast approaching, training courses are running at maximum capacity," explains Head of Training Ben Bowley. "We have Level 1, 2 and 3 courses running most weeks now, and are preparing for the first Level 4 courses which start on 4 June."
"We're also experiencing lots of last minute crew sign-ups so have worked in some additional Level 1 courses to meet this demand, continues Ben. "The challenge is drawing closer and you can feel the buzz of excitement around the marina here each week amongst crew and skippers."
At the Crew
Allocation event just a couple of week's ago, crew members found out the identities of the skipper
and team mates they will compete in the race alongside, allowing crews to
progress onto the final training course, Level 4.
Level 4
sees crew members train with their race team while pitching themselves against
the rest of the Clipper Race fleet.
“The final
training course aims to step up the level of competitiveness amongst the crews.
By this point crew have all the skills they need to sail the yacht so it’s now
down to creating a racing environment on board.
“During Level 4 the fleet will take part in several races which will allow them
practice race starts as well as experiencing things like a watch system while
racing,” adds Ben.
Crew can also undertake Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 of training at the race’s Sydney HQ.
You can learn more about the Australia training hub here.
The 2015-16 Race starts on Sunday 30 August and is now 95 per cent
full. It's not too late if you want to join the race though places are now limited and dates for the four levels of race training are filling fast.
We're also now recuiting for the 2017-18 race. To find out how you can join our next intrepid group of adventurers, click here.