Cumbrian sailor set to help lead a team in world’s toughest endurance challenge

Cumbrian sailor Ben Birley has been selected to help lead a team of non-professionals around the globe in the upcoming edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

He will be taking on the role of First Mate, supporting the Skipper in racing 40,000 nautical miles around the world when the race gets underway from Portsmouth on 31 August.

Speaking about the opportunity, Ben, who is from Whitehaven, said: "It is a special and unique opportunity to be First Mate on the powerful and capable Clipper 70' yachts.

"This job will allow me to take the leap from cruising into full-time ocean racing. I hope to advance my sailing and leadership skills, build a solid and competitive team and experience the awe and wonder of the world's oceans."

The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers and take on the endurance challenge of a lifetime. Each of the teams is led by a professional Race Skipper and First Mate.

The role of First Mate is a demanding but rewarding role; offering invaluable experience to further develop a professional sailing career. These highly skilled sailors will work closely with their Skipper, utilising their sailing experience and supporting the goals of their appointed team. They will not only work towards gaining those all-important places on the podium, but apply their knowledge to help create a competent, safe and competitive race team.

A former Royal Marine himself, Ben has since been carving a career at sea and amassing an impressive sailing portfolio including two North Atlantic crossings, one Southern Ocean crossing, numerous cruises to France and Northern Spain, the Norwegian Fjords, dinghy racing in Plymouth, two Round the Island Races and plenty of Clipper Race Training courses.

No stranger to the Clipper Race, Ben is returning full-time after getting a taste during the previous edition where he supported as First Mate on Washington, DC for one of the eight legs.

All First Mates go through a rigorous selection process led by the Clipper Race Management Team. The team’s Race Director, Deputy Race Director and Race Manager have all competed as Race Skippers on previous editions and therefore understand the unique requirements of this role.

Max Rivers, Deputy Race Director, said: "Our talented First Mates all hold the RYA Yachtmaster Offshore qualification and have plenty of experience to go with it. From Skippering yachts, carrying out deliveries and teaching RYA accredited courses, they have sailed all over the world and come from diverse maritime backgrounds. We look forward to incorporating their skills and knowledge into the Clipper Race challenge ahead.

"Their primary role throughout the race is to support the team skipper in all aspects of boat management, meaning this bunch are not only great sailors but also teachers, leaders and mentors for the Race Crew."