Lance Shepherd is an ex Royal Marine and has been sailing since the age of 14 when he use to sail with his local scout group on lake Windmere. His dream of becoming a skipper for the race has finally come true this year as he was selected to be the Liverpool 2018 yatch skipper much to the support of his crew. Lance has followed the Clipper race since is started in 1996 and had the following to say:
“The challenge of taking a group of novice sailors, from all walks of life, out of their comfort zones and turning them into a successful round the world ocean racing team will be the highlight of my life, not just my career.”
Lance spent a total of eleven years as a Commando in the Royal Marines and once he finished his service began working as a Freelance Skipper gaining extensive experience in ocean crossings, deliveries, team building, leadership and teaching the RYA syllabus.
“I believe a team is made by the complete engagement of every member which is achieved through building mutual respect, encouragement and collaboration. I have a very high standard of safe seamanship and will promote a safe culture of continuous improvement for the whole team as they take on one of the toughest challenges in the world.”
Lance is an avid yacht racer and can usually be found upon the seas either competing or aboard a committee boat as a much welcomed Match Official. He is a very familiar face in yacht and sea racing and in the last Round the Island Race he placed an impressive 29th overall on a Farr 65.
“I am looking forward to working with my crew, building them into a successful race team and watching them grow together to share lasting memories and friendships.”
Remember if you want to keep track of the boats at any point during the 11 month race you can do so by visiting the tracker page here. You can also read about James Macfee the Elliot Brown Ambassador aboard the Liverpool 2018 yacht here.
