Aussie Sailors Turf: Clipper Race Fleet Overcomes World's Toughest Sailing Challenges to Dock in Fremantle

After an incredible 4,800nm race from Cape Town, South Africa, overcoming notorious winds of 50 knots, ‘phenomenal’ sea states, and frigid temperatures, the Clipper Race fleet has arrived at Fremantle, WA. Australia welcomed its heroes, including a Viictorian firefighter and a Perth doctor, among the 15 Australian nationals returning home.

The third leg of the Clipper Race circumnavigation is one of the most challenging routes taken on by sailors, sailing through the infamous Roaring Forties. This remote region remains an elusive voyage for many due to its extreme weather conditions and inherent perils.

Among the returning Aussies is Craig Head, a project manager from South Bunbury, Western Australia. As part of the winning team, GOSH, he spoke of the formidable yet exhilarating experience of racing the Roaring Forties. The sense of accomplishment echoing from his words, Craig exclaimed joyously about his well-deserved homecoming.

While not everyone can participate in this extreme sailing adventure, the Clipper Race offers an opportunity for the public to experience the thrill virtually by opening the hatches for free public tours of the yachts when docked.

A motley crew of engineers, directors, and paramedics from both Australia and overseas made up the victorious Clipper Race Fleet, demonstrating a wide swath of backgrounds converging over the love of sailing. Every sailor’s journey paints a vivid picture of what it takes to overcome one of the world’s most formidable races and to ultimately dock in familiar territory.