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Kevin Lynch, a 43-year-old from Wokingham, celebrates his birthday twice while racing across the ocean in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. This unique experience comes as he crosses the International Date Line during the ninth stage of the grueling 5,500 nautical mile journey from Tongyong, South Korea to Seattle, USA.
Kevin, who has no prior sailing experience, is part of Team Tongyeong, one of ten identical yachts competing in this challenging race. He reflects on the adventure, saying, “I had my birthday twice on board! I got two extra long sleeps, too, as I was on galley duty that day.”
The Clipper Race, founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston over 30 years ago, trains everyday people to become ocean racers. Kevin has completed six of the race's eight stages since departing from Portsmouth, UK last August. Despite facing a minor technical issue with the rudder, the team perseveres, and Kevin praises the crew for their teamwork.
After a brief stop in Seattle, Kevin is back on the water, heading down the west coast of the USA to Panama. His journey will culminate in a final leg back to Portsmouth in July, where he will officially become a circumnavigator.
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