Level 3: Spinnakers and Speed

6 Days on the water

Level 3 is where you learn to become a master at maximising sail trim in changing winds.

Asymmetric spinnaker

Our ocean racing yachts fly asymmetric spinnakers for maximum speed – and you’ll be taught to master this useful but complex bit of kit.

Man overboard

You’ve done this drill before, but not with the asymmetric spinnaker flying. Here’s where you’ll learn what to do in an emergency at high speed and high intensity.

Strategy & tactics

So far you’ve been taught to sail – but now it’s time to add racing to the mix. That means learning how to navigate effectively, including planning for strong currents, changing weather conditions and tides.

Advanced safety course

Just like with the rest of your training, safety is still a top priority. You’ll receive detailed instructions for keeping safe whatever happens on the ocean.

Race Training Levels

2 men sweating to raise the mainsail

Level 1

Welcome Aboard

Master the basics and core safety skills for confident sailing.

Level 2

Living at sea

Adapt to life at sea, learning watch routines and managing tasks on board.

Woman trimming sail

Level 3

Spinnakers and Speed

Hone advanced race tactics and spinnaker handling to maximize speed.

Man on the coffee grinder concentrating on the sail it's controlling

Level 4

Remember, it's a race

Engage in a full race simulation, working as a crew to apply all training.

How much does it cost?

Build your race

Race Crew have the opportunity to spread their training and berth fees with equal monthly payments.

The next steps

A crew member holds onto a sail as waves crash over the deck, capturing the intensity of ocean racing.

The Race

The Clipper Race is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other.

Race Crew inside the tight quarters of a sailboat. One crew member climbs down a ladder from an open hatch above, while two others organize equipment in the bunk area. Blue storage bags and gear are secured on either side of the narrow space, highlighting the cramped and functional setup needed for an ocean race.

The Life

A Clipper 70 is no place for the faint-hearted. Every team member has a role on deck and is trained to form a self-sufficient unit, ready to handle any situation, no matter how severe.

Woman at the foredeck, smiling holding onto shroud

The Application

It all starts right here…Train to become an Ocean Racer and experience the exhilaration of circumnavigating the globe on a 70-foot racing yacht.

FAQs

From training duration to fitness requirements, find the answers you need below.

On your Level 3 you'll look more at boat performance and how to squeeze that extra half a knot of boat speed out of your yacht. You'll also do much more spinnaker work – the huge sails the size of a tennis court - which will help you reach your fastest speeds when sailing downwind. You’ll also do some short-course racing, to get you into race mode.

Have Questions?

Everything you need to know about the Clipper Race, from training and cost, to life on board and choosing your race leg.

View FAQs

Join the Race

40,000nm. 5 Oceans. 1 Circumnavigation. See you on the start line.

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