Clipper Race: Dare to Lead returns

Team Partner Dare To Lead returns to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Formed over ten years ago, and partnering with the Clipper Race since its 2013-14 edition, Dare To Lead is an initiative founded by former Clipper Race Crew member and entrepreneur Dirk van Daele.

For the 2023-24 edition, which starts September 12, Dirk is joined by Alex Wilkinson, his business partner at global financial advisory Circlo 3, for this partnership.

Rather than being associated with a particular organization or geographical location, Dare To Lead focuses on personal and professional development, teamwork, and leadership in people of all ages, gender, backgrounds, and nationalities through the experience of ocean racing.

Building on his own experiences, Founder Dirk van Daele said “Dare To Lead is about what ocean racing can teach you about leadership in personal life and business.

“When a team from varied backgrounds grows together through this unique sailing adventure, we believe that each individual participant will unlock their own potential to become a leader and a force for good.”

Taking the helm of Dare To Lead is Skipper Ryan Gibson, with Charlie Warhurst as AQP. The pair hopes to share the Dare To Lead ethos with their diverse crew of racers as they circumnavigate the globe.

With a huge passion for the ocean and sailing, and having sailed to remote ports in Svalbard in the Arctic and Alaska, and crossing the Atlantic five times, Ryan embodies the Dare To Lead concept.

Ryan said “I am excited to be representing Dare To Lead and honored to lead this team, with such a meaningful Partner and use this opportunity to develop the leadership and teamwork skills between so many different people. Having our Race Partner confirmed feels like the team is complete and we are now ready to race around the world!”

Mark Light, Clipper Race Director, said, “Over the past ten years, I have watched the development of the Dare To Lead ethos within Clipper Race teams with great admiration and respect. I am delighted to welcome Dare To Lead back for the 2023-24 edition.”

Over the years, Dare To Lead has attracted like-minded organizations as team supporters, together with associated social responsibility projects.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69. His aim was to allow anyone, regardless of previous sailing experience, the chance to embrace the thrill of ocean racing; it is the only event of its kind for amateur sailors. While the start date is not yet confirmed, the 2023-24 race will be the 13th edition with the fleet of eleven identical Tony Castro designed Clipper 70s to will tackle the multi-stage 41,000+ nm course.

Race details: www.clipperroundtheworld.com