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Ireland born and bred sailors, Brian Uniacke and Lorraine O Hanlon, have 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.
The duo will both take on the role of First Mate, supporting each of their Skippers in racing 40,000 nautical miles around the world when it gets underway from Portsmouth on 31 August.
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.
For Kinsale’s Lorraine O Hanlon, taking on the role of Clipper Race First Mate will be her second voyage into circumnavigating the globe. 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 – including Lorraine who picked up her circumnavigators medal last summer after competing as Race Crew on the Clipper 2023-24 Race.
Talking about joining the race as part of the professional sailing staff line up, Lorriane said: “Committing to this race means stepping away from the comforts of everyday life – family, friends, and the stability of land. The isolation and intensity of life at sea will test my resilience, as we’ll be living in close quarters, facing extreme weather conditions, and pushing limits. However, I see these sacrifices as investments in personal growth, this experience will undoubtedly shape anyone who undertakes this adventure in profound ways.”
Lorraine was first introduced to sailing while studying in college and caught the sailing bug. Her obsession with the sea then took her to the Irish Naval Service with the Irish Defence Forces where she spent five years before competing in the most recent edition of the Clipper Race.
With well over 40,000 nautical miles under her belt from her Clipper Race circumnavigation alone, a background in dinghy instruction and local yacht racing, plus a degree in outdoor education, Lorraine is extremely well placed to step up to the role as First Mate for the 2025-26 edition.
With a strong insight about what’s to come, there’s much to look forward to. Lorraine said: “The adventure of crossing vast oceans, witnessing breath-taking sunrises, sunsets, night skies, stepping foot in places few get to see. The sea has a way of humbling even the most experienced sailors, reminding us of our small place in the vastness of nature, out there surrounded by nothing but water, you feel the raw power of the Ocean, towering waves and unpredictable moods. That feeling of insignificance is about connection, realising you are part of something greater than yourself. In those moments, with your crew beside you and endless horizon ahead there is a strange kind of peace.”
Brian, who hails from Galway, but has most recently been living in Dublin, said: “Each day I spend on the water feels like a gift to me. I am so glad that I have finally found a place where I feel at peace. I can hardly believe I have this opportunity to add my name to the shortlist of people who can say they’ve gone ’round the world under sail. It’s gonna be epic!”
Brian attributes his love of sailing to his late father, who had sailed across the Atlantic to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean but needed crew to join him for the return. Armed with no experience, but boundless enthusiasm, Brian, who was looking to leave London and head back to Ireland to be near family, put himself forward. It was to be a voyage that changed Brian’s life, and ever since, sailing has been his passion – one which, in more recent years, has been turned into a full-time career.
Brian also isn’t shy about the fact he’s racing this one to win. He said: “I want to be able to look back and be satisfied that I gave my all at all times and was a help to others along the way. But I won’t lie, I want to get on the podium! I’ve been on a winning sailboat before, and I want more of that feeling in my life.”
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.”
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