Daniel Smith has been named among the twelve professionals who will each lead a team in the tenth edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Smith, a 31-year-old Senior Yachting and Watersports Instructor from West Kilbride, is set to lead a crew of amateur sailors through some of the world's toughest, most punishing elements in the 40,000 nautical mile challenge which starts on August 30, 2015.
The Ayrshireman began sailing in the Scottish Islands with his family when he was just five years old, and insists he is relishing the challenge that now faces him.
"Skippering an ocean racing yacht in the Clipper Race is a dream of mine," he said. "I feel the challenge of building a team, taking on Mother Nature and conquering the oceans is a challenge with massive rewards.
"I have had loads of sailing, kayaking and diving adventures in different parts of the world, but nothing quite like this. I don't think there are any challenges quite like skippering a Clipper 70 around the world.
"I have a background in teaching and sailing instruction, so I'm sure these skills will be invaluable in the race to get my team working together and on their way to becoming great sailors and racers."
The Clipper Race is unquestionably one of the world's greatest sporting challenges. In taking almost a year to complete, and being the only event which gives amateur sailors the chance to sail round the world, fewer people have completed the Race than have climbed Mount Everest.
Commenting on the selection process, Race founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: "Our race skippers are put through rigorous trials before we appoint the successful candidates.
"It's a race that everyone wants to win. However, the most important characteristics for a Clipper Race Skipper are a true sense of seamanship and to be safety conscious. I am sure Daniel will relish the challenge.
The 2015-2016 Race departs from the UK on August 30, 2015 and will return almost a year later. The fleet will visit six different continents in up to 15 individually-scored races. The team with the highest final points total will win the Clipper Race trophy.
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