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Episode 06, August 28th 2025
Ahoy,
Two days left for my sailing adventure at the Clipper Race. Last night at home and all packed for the journey. It’s finally going to happen!
As I was doing my final packing, I reflected on all the preparations, including some sacrifices and tough choices that led to this.
The race begins long before the starting line
A sailing adventure such as The Clipper Race does not start when the horn blows on race day. It takes months, sometimes years, in preparation. It involves the training to become an ocean racer, learning the most essential skills like tying knots, doing maneuvers like tacking and gybing, and understanding safety protocols. Then, there are more expert skills like racing tactics, life at sea during long journeys, weather systems, etc.
The yacht also requires enormous amounts of preparation. This includes receiving and setting up new sails and new lines, and performing full maintenance of engines, pumps, and valves. Then comes the planning, purchasing, organizing, and storing food for 20 people to survive for over a month. All of it is carefully packed by meal, so no one loses time looking for a recipe and which ingredients are needed. It’s all planned beforehand.
Preparation also happens for those around you not going on the journey. Leaving home and my family for a long period, with very limited communication available, required careful planning and a difficult choice of not following my older son as he goes to University and moves into campus accommodation in September. I’m definitely going to miss my life partner, my wife, and my younger son as well.
The preparation is not only about sorting stuff, it is also about getting into the right mental state.
The Takeaway: Beyond Limits
Whether it's battling the rough seas crossing an ocean or steering a multi-year business transformation, success hinges on careful and structured preparation. Next time you face a big challenge, remember: the race begins long before the starting line.
As the race starts this Sunday, I will pause these stories for a while until I arrive in Punta del Este early October. I will be writing, taking photos, videos, and enjoying the adventure, my crew mates, and Mother Nature in her most raw form.
Until then, keep safe, follow the Clipper Race on clipperroundtheworld.com for live updates, and consider helping my UNICEF fundraising where you can make a difference to a child around the world.
I'll soon be back with more stories from Between Office and Ocean.
May the fair winds be with you.
Breno Gentil.
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