Hello everyone

I am thrilled to share that I will be taking part in the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race 2025–2026, all while raising money for UNICEF, the United Nation’s charity that protects children’s rights and safeguards their future.

I will be sailing Leg 5, The Asia-Pacific Challenge, a multi-stage epic that begins in Eastern Australia and finishes in China, covering an awe-inspiring 10,200 kilometres across the Pacific Ocean.

My race begins in January 2026, and as most of you know, I am a complete sailing novice. But the opportunity to learn to sail while embracing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure was simply irresistible and the Clipper Race ticked all the boxes. See for yourself why I decided to do this. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u_l3fQ63618

My training so far has taught me that the ocean waits for no one. Yacht racing is relentless running 24 hours a day, and life on board is a true test of endurance, spirit, and teamwork. It forges a crew into an unstoppable force, granting us all the life-changing gift of empowerment.

Those who know my character will understand I will not view a 03.30 morning watch as hardship. Not at all… rather a diamond in disguise, an opportunity to watch the sunrise thousands of miles from land, to see seabirds catching the wind from our yacht’s sails, to be charmed by flying fish darting over the waves, and most importantly, an opportunity to share in the camaraderie of a crew that lifts each other through every challenge.

My team is committed to the highest standards in everything we do whilst participating in this race, and that includes our charity fund raising for UNICEF. Our goal is to crush the £65,000 target!

The Clipper organisation are proud to be associated with this global charity and anything you can donate would be very warmly received.

UNICEF has been both a Charity and Team Partner for the Round the World Yacht Race since the 2015-16 edition and during this time has raised £1.6 million for children around the world.

UNICEF has 15,000 people working for children in more than 190 countries, responding to emergencies and building long-term resilience.

They enhance children's lives with vaccines, clean water, and therapeutic food. They protect children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. They empower children through quality education. And they seek to create a safe and sustainable world where children can live, learn and grow.

Every pound we raise will make a difference to every child, every day, everywhere.

A donation of £165 could buy a wheelchair for a child with limited mobility.

A donation of £275 could buy a midwifery kit containing all of the medicines, medical supplies and sterilisation equipment for a maternity ward to support the delivery of 50 babies.

Thank you as always for your generosity and kindness

Tracey Hammerstad Simpson