Daring to Lead

Dare To Lead skipper Ryan Gibson - picture Clipper Race

Daring to lead is our team skipper, a 34-year-old experienced ocean sailor, Ryan Gibson, with more than 95,000 nautical miles under his belt.  Ryan demonstrates a compelling interest, respect and passion for the ocean and sailing. He’s no stranger to extreme conditions, having sailed to remote ports in Svalbard in the Arctic and Alaska and has crossed the Atlantic five times.

Ryan’s competitive streak puts him in good stead as skipper of Dare To Lead in the 2023-34 edition of the Clipper Race. He’s previously competed in both small boat regattas and big boat races including the Oyster Palma Regatta, Palma Classic Regatta and The Superyacht Cup.

Ryan is looking forward to safely leading his competently trained, yet non-professional, crew around the world and passing on his knowledge and skills to other people. Whilst Ryan has got a competitive edge and will be looking to drive performance success and encourage crew through difficult situations to form a strong team.

Skipper Ryan Gibson aboard Clipper 70

When Ryan’s not sailing, you’ll find him in the great outdoors surfing, wakeboarding, kiteboarding or snowboarding. Ryan is an Advanced PADI open diver and enjoys travelling, fishing, tennis and golf. He holds dual Dutch and South African nationality.

Charlie Warhurst, 23, from Sheffield, is the AQP (Additionally Qualified Person) aboard Dare To Lead who will be supporting our skipper Ryan Gibson. Charlie is a recent university graduate who has already sailed 21,000 nautical miles in his career as a Mate, Watch Leader, and Skipper. He has crossed the Atlantic multiple times on iconic events such as the ARC and raced extensively around the Caribbean. He’s completed multiple yacht deliveries and has worked as a sailing instructor in the UK.

AQP Charlie Warhurst - picture Clipper Race

Clipper Race Team Partnership announced for 2023-24

Clipper Race fleet in 2019-20 edition

Dare To Lead returns as a Team Partner in the 2023-24 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. This initiative dates back over 10 years and was founded by former Clipper Race Crew Member and entrepreneur Dirk van Daele.  

Dirk is joined by Alex Wilkinson, his business partner at global financial advisory Circlo 3, in the 2023-24 edition sponsorship. The team will focus on an ethos of developing leadership in both personal and professional spheres through the experience of ocean racing.  

Rather than being associated with a particular organisation or geographical location, Dare To Lead is committed to personal development, teamwork, and leadership in people of all ages, gender, backgrounds, and nationalities.  

Building on his own experiences, Founder Dirk van Daele said “Dare To Lead is about what ocean racing can teach you about leadership in personal life and business. 

“When a team from varied backgrounds grows together through this unique sailing adventure, we believe that each individual participant will unlock their own potential to become a leader and a force for good.” 

New livery for 2023-24 edition of the Clipper Race

Dare To Lead is sailing under the flag of teamwork, determination and leadership and aims to inspire its diverse crew of racers as they circumnavigate the globe. Taking the helm of Dare To Lead is 34-year-old Skipper Ryan Gibson.  

Ryan said “I am extremely excited that our Team Partner will be Dare To Lead, and I am honoured to lead this fantastic team with such a meaningful partner, developing the leadership and teamwork skills between so many different people. 

Clipper Race Director, Mark Light, said “I have watched the development of the Dare To Lead ethos within subsequent Clipper Race teams over the past ten years with great admiration and respect. I am delighted to welcome Dare To Lead back for the 2023-24 edition.” 

The ethos of Dare To Lead has attracted like-minded organisations as team supporters over the years, together with associated social responsibility projects. 

Dirk added: “Dare To Lead is renewing its Team Partnership with the Clipper Race for the 2023-24 edition because of the event’s proven ability to deliver powerful leadership lessons to crew through competitive ocean racing. In addition, the race provides a unique platform for our partners and supporters to engage with global markets in high profile activations and promotions.”

 

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Discover more about the Clipper Race on their official website

Dare To Lead returns to the Clipper Race fleet for the 2023-24 edition