Welcome to Fierce Turtle

I started this blog after my return from the Clipper Round the World Race in 2011/12.

​I circumnavigated, effectively as a first mate, racing on several different race boats (Clipper 68s at that time) including Geraldton CV6, Qingdao CV9, Edinburgh CV1 and Welcome to Yorkshire, where I was a 'qualified person' and also media crew.
On my return, I continued my training work and also started working for Clipper Training, first as a mate and then skipper. 

In 2013, I was Relief Race Skipper on Team Garmin (CV27) for legs 4 and 5 and then Race Skipper on WTC Logistics (CV23) for the first half of the interrupted 2019/20 race. I currently work as an RYA  Yachtmaster Instructor.
This blog contains the following;
It's worth noting that Clipper's training changes & improves over time. Schedules will change and training modules will alter.   ​
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Ocean Sleepwear bags to rent
Click for more info
The best sleeping bag for offshore sailing is the Ocean Sleepwear bag. It's robust, waterproof and has a Goretex shell enclosing two fleece linings, making for a toasty warm and comfortable off-watch.

Unfortunately, they are expensive (up to £400 new) and bulky (because they are synthetic bags, not goose feather (which are hopeless if they get wet).

We hire bags for crew in training (or on the race). We can ship to any UK mainland address or direct to Clipper's Training Office.

Click here for more details.
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Click to watch videos
A useful crew member must (as a very bare minimum) be able to tie several knots reliably.

When you're on the foredeck in the middle of the night, roaring down the face of mountainous seas deep in the Roaring Forties, you need to know how to tie (and untie) knots quickly and properly.

There is a list of the knots required by Clipper, and it's not unknown for Sir Robin to randomly test crew when he bumps into them on the dock (or in the bar). You have been warned!

​ Click to view videos.
Recommended Reading for Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Crew in Training
Click to view reading lists
Clipper Ventures provide a comprehensive manual which I thoroughly recommend. It is available in PDF and also hard copy format.

On top of this, there is other recommended reading. I have made a list of books that I recommend before joining for training levels legs 1, 2 and 3.

I'd certainly recommend you concentrate on sailing & seamanship skills rather than 'skipper skills' such as navigation.
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To view my reading list, click here.
All things sailing are expensive! However, when you're at sea the best kit is worth the investment. Buy pre-used & save a fortune. 
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Click to Buy

On Sale

On Sale

Le Chameau Neptune

£315.00 £195.00
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On Sale

On Sale

Sealskinz (Calf)

£35.00 £21.95
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On Sale

On Sale

Sealskinz (Knee)

£35.00 £21.95
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On Sale

On Sale

Sharkskin Balaclava

£35.00 £19.95
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Customer Reviews

Mark Clearly knows what he's talking about and his knowledge of the race is unique. Great advice and I'm really impressed with the quality of the products I bought - highly recommended. Thanks for your help!
Phil Brown
It's good to be able to talk to someone who actually knows. A query about the Neptune boots was answered within 24 hrs. I'm still waiting for the manufacturers to get back to me!
Mr Schofield
Hi Mark. Just wanted to say thanks for the recommendations and help with kit for Leg 3. I had the Le Chameau boots which were fantastic and while I thought the balaclava would be overkill, it turned out to be brilliant (even if it put 20 years on my hearing)!  Cheers.
J.F. Leg 3 (Southern Ocean)