FIERCE TURTLE | Advice & Kit Discounts for Clipper Crew

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.

It's worth noting that Clipper's training changes & improves over time. Schedules will change and training modules will alter.

This blog contains the following;

Sealskinz (Knee)

£35.00 £21.95

Knee length Sealskinz. Utilising proprietary 100% waterproof, breathable and windproof StretchDry technology this sock is perfect for a multitude of activities and conditions. Great for when your sailing boots get wet inside!

Totally waterproof, breathable and windproof
Merino wool lining for moisture control & comfort
Elasticated ankle & insteps offer support and a comfortable fit
Mid weight sock offering the perfect balance of warmth and breathability

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Sharkskin Balaclava

£35.00 £19.95

More than 25% of body heat is lost through the head and extremities of the body. The sharkskin microfleece-lined neoprene hood provides the best insulation and protection for cold ocean activities.

The comfortable ‘hollow fibre fleece’ layer is next to the skin and ‘wicks’ moisture and sweat away from the body to help keep you dry. The second middle ‘technical’ layer is 100% windproof yet breathes to regulate body temperature while stopping windchill. The third outer layer is a nylon/lycra blend for abrasion resistance and 4 way stretch. It is also UV resistant for sun protection and has a durable water repellent finish (DWR) to provide a protective shell that ‘sheds’ water.

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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.

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.

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.

To view my reading list, click here.

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All things sailing are expensive! However, when you're at sea the best kit is worth the investment. Buy pre-used & save a fortune.