Josh Stickland, 31, has been announced as one of the eleven professional skippers to lead a novice team in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Race.

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is undoubtedly one of the greatest ocean adventures on the planet, also regarded as one of its toughest endurance challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, it consists of eleven teams, with each made up of one Skipper, one Mate, and a crew of everyday people from many different walks of life, competing against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-foot ocean racing yachts.

On being appointed as Clipper Race Skipper, Josh said: “It has been a long time coming! I have wanted to be a Clipper Race Skipper since I qualified as a professional skipper when I was 22 at UKSA. Before then I didn't even know it could be a job, but when I found out it was possible, I wanted to do it and have been working to get to this point.”

Josh gained his professional sailing qualifications at UKSA, including Professional Instructor Training (watersports) in 2008, before qualifying as a Commercial Yachtmaster in 2010. Josh also worked at UKSA as a watersports instructor and undertook numerous other courses, including MCA qualifications, whilst at UKSA to further his professional development – all leading to him becoming qualified to skipper a race such as the Clipper Race. Josh was a recipient of the Stephen Thomas Bursary whilst undertaking his professional training at UKSA.

Josh has fond memories of his time at UKSA and said, “I'd like to thank everyone at UKSA throughout my years of learning and working there, from the kitchen, and housekeeping staff through to the watersports and yachting also the back offices. Without you all, I wouldn't be writing this. It really is a special place that is always a joy to return to and has given me the support and the coaching needed to get me where I have today. When this chapter comes to a close I look forward to seeing all of you! ”

UKSA’s CEO Ben Willows is delighted that Josh has been selected and said the following: “I have had the pleasure of seeing Josh grow and develop as a professional yachtsman during his time at UKSA. As a popular instructor and member of the USKA team, I know we will all be watching him closely as he takes on this epic race with his crew.”