Katie Mulholland from Dunedin, James Kempthorne from Auckland, Gussie Gould and Rob Kerr from Christchurch and New Zealand national Jo Hulton have raced 5,500nm across the world’s largest ocean, the North Pacific, from Qingdao, China, to Seattle, USA, in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. All five sailors are circumnavigating the globe, and have around 10,000nm left to sail on the 40,000nm race route.
Known to be one of the most inhospitable environments on earth, the North Pacific leg of the global race is known as ‘The Big One’. It earns this title due to the extreme weather, which includes freezing temperatures and waves almost as high as the Hollywood Sign, but also because it is the most remote ocean crossing on the Clipper Race circuit. It is devoid of land mass and at certain points, the closest other humans are astronauts on the International Space Station.
Founded by Sir Robin-Knox Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop, round the world, the Clipper Race is a global sailing event. Taking eleven months to complete, over 700 crew aged from 18 to 75 from all walks of life and 45 nationalities embark on the Race of their Lives, signing up to one or more of eight legs, or taking on the full 40,000nm circumnavigation of the planet. Doctors race alongside farmers, tattoo artists and teachers, living on board a racing yacht with up to 20 others for weeks at a time. Many participants have never sailed before taking on the intensive, mandatory four-stage training programme required to take part in the race.
Speaking as she arrived in Seattle, Gussie, a 29-year-old associate from Christchurch, who is sailing around the world on the Qingdao yacht, describes the race: “It was long, wet and cold, but it was amazing to have nice clear starry nights, seeing whales and dolphins and it was good to come second as well!”
James, who works in car sales, is racing around the world on board Zhuhai, which placed third in this race. He added: “The North Pacific crossing was definitely the hardest leg so far, the longest time spent at sea with the cold and wet conditions making everything harder than it usually is. We spent quite a bit of time going upwind, living life on a 45 degree angle with all of the challenges that it brings. The sense of accomplishment of crossing the world’s largest ocean was huge.
“Having only two legs to go to complete a circumnavigation of the planet is a strange feeling. We have sailed so far together with a crew that started off as strangers and now feels like a family.”
Katie Mulholland
28 year old Circumnavigator Katie Mulholland, who is a doctor from Dunedin racing on board Our Isles and Oceans said: “It’s crazy to think how many months I’ve been on the Clipper Race… life on board has now become the new norm and approaching the final few races I’m more concerned about fitting back into ‘real life’ again rather than the trials and tribulations at sea! It’s been a huge achievement to have made it this far, and crossing the line in Portsmouth will no doubt be surreal. My boat Our Isles and Oceans still has our home port at Oban to look forward to which will be a highlight for many crew with so many supporters coming and a big ceilidh in the planning. More short term, going through the Panama Canal with some lovely summer weather to defrost after the North Pacific will be a treat.
“In terms of describing change in oneself after such a massive journey, it can be hard to measure. We have had some leggers return after a few races who now can say my skills (especially in helming) have hugely improved, but for me it’s still taking each day as it comes as a new learning opportunity. My confidence, sense of adventure, and awareness of global opportunities have all been magnified by the race for which I’m immensely grateful. My crew have made this trip for me; by far the best thing I’ll take away from the race will be fri
