Harrogate man takes on round the world yacht race

A Harrogate man is taking on a 40,000-mile yacht race around the world.

Sean McPartland, 53, is taking part in the Clipper Round the World Race, which organisers describe as one of “the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other”.

The retired Birstwith resident is part of the Dare to Lead crew who are tackling the epic journey from the UK to South America on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.

Mr McPartland said in a video on the team’s website:

“I will be completing the full circumnavigation of the globe racing for 40,000 nautical miles. If you didn’t think that was mad enough, I have never sailed before.

“I just love challenges, the last challenge I did I cycled from the Arctic to Africa. I wanted to do something else and when I saw the Clipper race on YouTube I thought why not. I love inspiring people it is just a great adventure”.

The Clipper Round the World Race began on September 3 last year in Portsmouth and is divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings.

The team is halfway through its journey and is currently on the east coast of Australia.

The race, which first took place in 1996, was created by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world. Since 1996 almost 6,000 race crew and over 60 nations have trained and raced as part of the Clipper Race.

Eleven identical racing yachts are supplied by the organisers and have fully qualified skippers and first mates to safely guide the crew. The crew complete four levels of intense ocean racer training before competing.

UNICEF is the charity partner for this year’s race and Sean said he was “proud to be raising money to support their vital work for children”.

You can track his progress here and find his fundraising page here.

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Ripon Sailing Club to hold free taster sessions tomorrow

Families looking for something new to do over the bank holiday weekend are being invited to try out sailing, free of charge. 

Ripon Sailing Club is giving novices their first taste of life on the water – and providing old hands with an opportunity to get back on board – as part of the Royal Yachting Association’s Discover Sailing programme.

All newcomers will go afloat with an experienced helm who will be able to answer any questions.

Richard Pryke, Ripon Sailing Club commodore, said:

“We’re inviting the local community to come down to have a go at sailing, see what the club has to offer and get involved. Who knows, you might just love it!” 

The open day, from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Saturday, April 29), will be held at Ripon Sailing Club’s base near Farnham, Knaresborough. The event will include trial sails, radio-controlled yacht demonstrations, Royal Yachting Association training courses for club members, York University team racing, and lots of information about membership benefits.

Would-be sailors are asked to bring soft-soled shoes, a change of clothes including a fleece and showerproof jacket, and a towel. 

Photo of a man and boy sailing in a dinghy.

The Discover Sailing open day is meant both for newcomers and for people coming back to sailing after a break.

Discover Sailing is a Royal Yachting Association initiative first held in March 2011. The 2023 event will see clubs and centres across the UK holding open days and inviting people to come and have a go at sailing and windsurfing.

For full details about Ripon Sailing Club, visit www.ripon-sc.org.uk or follow the club on Facebook.

For more information and to book a visit, contact Helen Voisey at membership@ripon-sc.org.uk.

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