At 58 years old, Plymouth-based Advanced Clinical Practitioner Loveday Fethney is proving that adventure knows no age limit. Taking the leap from her medical career to the open ocean, she is preparing to embark on the ultimate challenge. That involves circumnavigating the globe as part of the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race.
The Clipper Race is an adventure like no other. It is known as one of the biggest challenges of the natural world. And an endurance test like no other.
Those who take on the Clipper Race need no previous sailing experience. They will be intensively trained to face the record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.
The eleven competing teams are led by a professional Skipper and First Mate. They guide their Race Crew to battle storm-force winds, towering waves. And the relentlessness of racing 24 hours a day 30 days non-stop across the world’s most unforgiving oceans.
Love adventure
“I love an adventure. I’m determined and competitive!” Loveday admits. “I always thought about the full circumnavigation. But I didn’t think it would be possible for someone like me. Then I went through the training, met incredible people, and realized it is possible!”
For Loveday, her adventure will begin in late summer 2025. But for those who want to follow in her footsteps, the first step starts in Plymouth.
Clipper Race Talk and Tour Discovery Event
The next Clipper Race Talk and Tour Discovery Event will be held in the city from 20 to 22 February.
The event, which is led by former crew members, is looking for its next batch of intrepid explorers. Visitors to the event will see the hatches open on one of the Clipper Race yachts set for the ocean this summer. They will get a chance to get access above and below deck. Visitors can imagine life at a 40-degree angle, mid-ocean and thousands of miles from land. They can check out the Nav Station, galley, bunks and stowage. And see where each of the 20 Race Crew live.