Rich’s Clipper Race
Our very own Critical Care Paramedic (CCP) Rich is preparing for a mission unlike any other
In 2027, he’ll be swapping emergency callouts for the open ocean. Rich is preparing for one of the world’s toughest events, the prestigious Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. A 40,000-nautical-mile challenge that sees amateur sailors race around the globe over 11 months.
The race will see Rich join an international crew crossing some of the world’s most challenging oceans, facing everything from towering waves and powerful storms to the testing conditions of the Doldrums. Having only limited sailing experience, Rich will undergo extensive training to prepare for the challenge ahead.
The race is both a personal challenge and an opportunity to raise awareness of a cause close to his heart, the North West Air Ambulance Charity. Rich works on the frontline delivering enhanced pre-hospital care to seriously injured and unwell patients across the North West, and knows first hand the impact the charity can make.
About the race
The Clipper Race is renowned for taking people from all walks of life, many with little or no sailing experience, and transforming them into ocean racers through an intensive training programme.
Once all four levels of training are complete the ocean racers will become part of a team onboard a 70-foot ocean racing yacht.
The race began in 1996, setting sail from Plymouth, and was founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world.
Get involved with Rich’s Race
There are so many ways you can support Rich, whether it’s by making a donation, fundraising along side him, following his journey or sharing his story.
He needs your support to complete this mission.
Why is Rich taking on this challenge?
“I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors and challenging myself. The Clipper Race provides a unique experience which will allow me to push myself on a scale I’ve never encountered before.
“What really appeals to me is the opportunity to learn something completely new. My sailing experience is very limited, so the idea of going from where I am now to becoming part of a crew racing around the world is both daunting and incredibly exciting.
“While I’m excited about the adventure, the biggest reason I’m doing this is to raise awareness of NWAA. Every day I see first-hand the difference the charity makes to patients and their families. When people need us most, we’re there to provide enhanced, lifesaving care, but that simply wouldn’t be possible without the support of our communities.
“The charity is funded entirely by public donations, so raising awareness during this journey is incredibly important to me. Without that support, the service simply wouldn’t exist.
“The race will take us across some of the world’s most challenging oceans and to places that very few people ever get the chance to see. Being out there, away from everything, pushing your own boundaries and working together as a team is a challenge that really resonates with me.”
How can you support Rich?
There are plenty of ways to get involved and support Rich as he takes on this incredible challenge raising vital funds.
Fundraise
Help Rich raise vital funds as he takes on his mission. Donate to his JustGiving page and support his fundraising. Every share, donation and message of support will help Rich as he takes on the challenge of a lifetime.
Feeling inspired by him? Why not take on your own challenge to support his fundraising?
Follow and share
You can keep up to date with his training and find out more about him and his reasons for taking on this challenge by following him on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok at @RichInTheElements. Help shout about his challenge by sharing his story on social media, telling friends, family or colleagues.
Sponsor
We’re looking for companies and businesses who would be interested in sponsoring Rich.
We’d love to discuss the different ways you can be involved in this incredible challenge.
Whether it’s a leg of the race or the content of his kit bag, there are lots of opportunities!
Training for the race
To be able to take on the Clipper Race, Rich must complete four training weeks.
Week one
Rick’s first week took place in September 2026, where he got his first taste of what life on the yacht will be like as he headed down to Portsmouth for his first training week. Sleeping and eating in close quarters brought to life the mission he is preparing for. During the training week, he learnt new sailing skills, essential boat terminology, how to hoist the sail and important knots.
Speaking about it, Rich said: “I feel more confident after the training week. There were similarities between working in HEMS and sailing, especially around teamwork and the way we communicate.
“My favourite part was being able to get out sailing. It was really exciting, and everything that we had been learning through the week came together. It’s given me a good base level of knowledge and a real taste of what I’ve signed up for. I’m looking forward to my second week.”