A PARTNER at Humphries Kirk in Dorchester was fortunate to take part in the Clipper Round the World Race.

Victoria Pearson, a civil litigation partner joined the crew of the Clipper Race yacht, Qingdao in Albany, Western Australia.

The first race which was 13 days long, took her around the South of Tasmania, across the Bass Straits and then up to Sydney.

Pearson said: “It was a baptism of fire with a lot of the post-race crew discussion in Sydney confirming the race was harder than the race across the Southern Oceans, such was the relentless slog into a headwind.”

On reaching Sydney, the crew had a few days off while anti–fouling paint was re-applied to each boat.

Applying anti-foul was a new experience for Pearson. She said: “All boat maintenance and repair is the responsibility of its crew and I therefore spent a very interesting couple of days in the Sydney Marina learning the art of anti-fouling application.

“In addition, time was spent repairing the damage caused in the last race, stitching sails, re-running lines, repairing sheets and preparing for the next race.”

The next adventure was the Sydney Hobart race, noted for being exceptionally challenging. Nervous at first, she said: “I had failed to appreciate how synonymous this race is with Christmas in the Australian psyche and how dangerous.

“Everyone I met, when told I was participating, looked at me with wonder in their eyes as well as a faint questioning of my mental capacity.

“The nerves I had on the first race start were nothing compared to this time around, but they were worth it.

“To start a race in Sydney Harbour surrounded by almost one hundred other competitors as well as so many spectator boats lining the course, was incomparable and unforgettable.”

Shortly after leaving Sydney, the crew encountered a storm leaving many suffering from sea sickness. However, it soon passed and they were able to enjoy the Bass straits.

On arrival in Hobart after three strenuous days at sea, Pearson particularly enjoyed the welcome they received. She said: “A relentless, four hours on, four hours off watch system.

However, it was worth it for the amazing welcome we received from the Tasmanians.

“People lined every inch of the harbour and cheered every boat as it came in, a spectacle I will never forget.”

The third and final race was from Hobart to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays which took eight days to complete. In this time, the temperature began to increase by 10 degrees.

Reaching the finish was a monumental moment. Pearson said: “When we reached Airlie Beach, my race was over and I knew I had experienced something I would be unlikely to replicate ever again.

“The sight of the overwhelming scale of an ocean when your boat is the only thing you can see and the sea’s ability to change in size, colour and ferocity in an instant.

“I have learnt a wealth of life lessons, some expected, some not. I know I will take those experiences on and remember them for the rest of my life.”