73 people representing 15 nationalities, a wide range of ages and backgrounds, comprise the Dare To Lead team in the 2023-24 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Together with Skipper Ryan Gibson, assisted by AQP (Additional Qualified Person) Charlie Warhurst, this team will take on some of the most challenging oceans on the planet.

While each leg will depend equally on every crew member pulling together as a team, these nine intrepid characters (pictured below) have signed up for the whole Clipper Race experience. As the adventure progresses, these increasingly experienced circumnavigators will become key mentors and motivators for the ‘leggers’ - participating in one or more stages of this grueling global challenge.

Seen in this illustration, left to right, line by line from the top: Amanda Shehab, David Ball, Gary Venturi, Jeroen Koster, Megan Allpress, Retief Jordaan, Savio Henriques, Sean McPartland and Thomas Whalen

LEGGERS

Joining the circumnavigators aboard Dare To Lead on the Clipper Race Atlantic Tradewinds Leg are ten brave individuals (pictured below) who will play vital roles in the team, from the initial 1-week ‘sprint’ to Spain and the beautiful stopover of Puerto Sherry, to the challenging month-long Atlantic crossing to Punta del Este in Uruguay, through the infamous hot, windless and fickle doldrums of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) interspersed with sudden squalls.

Plus, there’s the customary ceremony for crossing the equator. Those doing so for the first time will go before King Neptune for their transition from Pollywogs to Shellbacks (sons and daughters of Neptune) in time-honoured tradition dating back over five centuries.

Seen in this illustration above, left to right, line by line from the top: Bozhidar Vasilev, Dana Taylor, David Holmes, Friedrich Schaefer, Griet Vandenheede, Joan Kelly, John Gilmore, Piet Eichholtz, Steven Taylor and Robert Meurice.

At over 7000 nautical miles all crew will become seasoned ocean racers. More posts on the team to follow as their incredible journey of self-discovery, courage and resilience, progresses.

We salute you all!