Fierce Turtle is written by crew for crew. It's entirely independent of the splendid folk at Clipper Ventures. All opinions are our own.
It's worth noting that Clipper's training will change and improve over time. Schedules will change and training modules will alter. But the basics remain constant.  ​Enjoy FREE membership for unrestricted Free Access.
My view of the pros and cons of racing in each leg is based on my experience of the 11/12 Race and 13/14 Races.

A bit about me...

Picture
Mark (centre) with Team Garmin before the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race 2013
My name's Mark Burkes and I'm the primary contributor to this blog. I'm a professional sailor and writer. I was RTW Clipper Race Crew in the 11/12 Race and a Clipper Race Skipper in 2013/14.

I now spend most of my time as a freelance RYA Yachtmaster Instructor & periodically as an instructor for Clipper Race Training in Gosport. In addition to several online publications I've also written for Yachting World magazine.  
 
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FIERCETURTLES is a group for Clipper Race Alumni & other offshore sailors. If you have done the race, plan to do the race or you're still doing the ra...
 

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The Clipper Race is many things - but it ain't cheap! Check out our classified ads for pre-used crew kit for sale at a fraction of the RRP. At Fierce Turtle we also hire Ocean Sleepwear Marine Sleeping Bags and Le Chameau Neptune boots.
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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
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)
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

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