A Harrogate-born sailor is set to take on a yacht race that has been called the 'world’s toughest endurance challenge.'
Otto Kulow 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’ll be taking on the role of First Mate, alongside fellow Yorkshire sailor Millie Apperley, for the 40,000 nautical mile challenge.
It gets underway from Portsmouth on 31st August and will head through Cape Town (South Africa), Qingdao (China), Tongyeong City (Korea), Seattle (USA) and Oban (Scotland).
Otto was born in Harrogate but who has lived in Germany and more recently Barcelona.
Speaking about the opportunity, Otto said:
“I hope to achieve the best possible performance I can imagine for myself, as well as my crew, and personally to be challenged to my limits and land on top.
“I want to display my character and skill by being part of something triumphant.”
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.
Millie, who is from Marsden, said:
“This role is a huge responsibility but a challenge I am ready for.
"It will be an amazing thing to develop as a crew on board and to able to say that ‘we did it’ as team.”
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.”
The Clipper Race has created a pathway to becoming a sailing professional and on previous editions has supported Race Crew to progress through the ranks including from participant to First Mate to Skipper.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
The event was founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, thirty years ago (March 1995) and trains people from all walks of life to learn seamanship and become ocean racers.
Each participant must complete four stages of intensive training before signing up for one or multiple legs or can complete the full 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation.
The ten strong fleet of matched Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts make six ocean crossings – including the North Pacific - and the Clipper Race is the only round the world yacht race to cross this ocean.
The race will make 14 ports of call on its global route, with Portsmouth (UK), Cape Town (South Africa), Qingdao (China) and Tongyeong City (Korea), Seattle (USA) and Oban (Scotland) announced so far.
Applications are still open for crew to sign up to participate in the Clipper 2025-26 Race.
To find out more visit clipperroundtheworld.com.
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