Here are ten things you may not know about me and about this magnificent adventure - the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race.
2. Originally I was only going to do three out of the eight legs - The more I learnt about the race and Clipper themselves, the more enthusiastic I became about the whole thing. I was really inspired by the first four week block of training. After that I started to think "well, it's a round the world race, so why don’t you go all the way". So after some soul searching and talks with Chrissey, I signed up to become a RTW (round the worlder).
3. 11 months is a long time in anyone’s language - A common reaction to my announcement that I would be taking eleven months off to sail around the world has centred on my ability to “swing such a huge leave pass”. I am the first to acknowledge that without Chrissey’s support, none of this would be possible, however neither she nor I have ever used the term ‘leave pass’ – it’s just not a concept that fits our relationship.
4. I’ve had a long and close relationship with cameras - Chrissey and I founded Fotomakers Australia, which grew to become Australia’s largest school photography business. Although we sold the business some time ago, I continue to have close contact with the photographic industry and have a small collection of ‘classic’ cameras.
5. Public speaking is another passion - My ‘Clipper experience’ has provided valuable new material for my work as a speaker, motivator, trainer and business coach. As a keynote speaker I have worked in Australia, the US and Europe. I have already spoken to Rotary groups in Sydney and Geraldton about the Clipper race and hope to address more service organisations and school groups when I return.
6. More people have climbed Mount Everest than have sailed in a yacht around the world - I know this quote (attributed to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBR RD, the Clipper race founder) is bandied about alot, but it puts into perspective the scale of what we ‘Round The World’-ers are doing. The fact that many of us had little (if any) ocean sailing experience prior to the initial training makes it even more incredible I think.
7. We really are, in fact, a ‘motley crew’ on Gold Coast Australia - The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race describes itself as a race for ‘people like you’. The organisers like to point out that all walks of life are represented by the crew. Around 48 people will be crew members on board Gold Coast Australia over the course of the race, including 31 men and 17 women from 6 different countries. All age ranges are covered, from ‘youngsters’ in their early twenties to septuagenarians – the average age is 47. We’ve got lawyers, sales people, researchers, engineers, company directors, consultants, an army officer and a cardiothoracic surgeon on the team. And yes, we’ve definitely got what it takes to win this thing.
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| Gold Coast crew celebrate crossing the equator |
8. The challenge started from Day One of training - From the word ‘GO’ I knew this was not going to be a doddle. The Clipper training is difficult physically and mentally. Subjects covered included International Rules for Preventing Collision at Sea, Navigational Charts & Publications, Tidal Streams & Ocean Currents. Our heads were spinning; we knew some had failed the exams so the pressure was on. My level 3 training group was really supportive of one another and it became clear that without that support, some of us would have struggled, including me.
9. Without a doubt this is the toughest thing that I have ever done but it is also the most rewarding - I’ve discovered that when you overcome one personal challenge, you are ready for the next one. I know the whole experience will really test me and I’m sure I’ll discover parts of myself that I didn’t even know about. So far it’s been unbelievable; the team spirit, the crew bonding and just being on the ocean and facing the elements. The power on board a racing yacht when the sails are full of wind is absolutely awesome.
10. I want to make this journey worthwhile not just for me but for other people too.
That’s why I'm raising funds for Melanoma Patients Australia. I hope you'll join with me in supporting them -see www.everydayhero.com.au/barry_moore
