A friend of This is Haslemere put Haslemere-based Natasha Nicholson in touch with us and we are so moved and inspired by her story. She is brimming over with grit and determination. On 31st August 2025, Natasha will set sail from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and push herself to the absolute limit in the race of her life.

Natasha's very personal story in her own words:

My main reason for doing the Clipper Race is that I wanted an adventure I would never forget. To achieve circumnavigating the world, something I thought was impossible, but was actually possible, really appealed to me. It was a test of endurance I could not resist. For me this is so much more than a race. It is testing myself and building my confidence. It will very much be a personal odyssey whilst having the ultimate adventure of a lifetime!

My other reason for doing this is that I want to raise money for Cancer Research in memory of my mum and for my dad who introduced me to sailing. I lost my mum to cancer in June 2022. I had been her carer for over two years, and it's been the toughest two years of my life emotionally and physically.

I started sailing with a family friend soon after mum's funeral and realised how much I'd missed it and rediscovered my love for it. I came across the Clipper Race at my lowest point, but it did something magical to me. It reignited something within me. I rediscovered my love of sailing and I am slowly finding my old self that I hope the rest of the race will give me back.

If you had asked me to do this five years ago, I would have laughed at you. But I've seen the fragility of life and sometimes you just have to go for it. My father always used to say to me "if it doesn't scare you, don't bother, but if it scares the hell out of you, then do it". So here I am doing Clipper Round the World Yacht race.

I want to experience Mother Nature at her worst and at its most majestic. I've heard stories from previous crew and want to experience it for myself and see what it's really all about. Until you have experienced it yourself you will never understand its capabilities and you as an individual. To experience things most people don't get the chance to see is quite something.

About The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2025-26

The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. There will be 10 boats racing each other for 11 months. The route is divided into eight legs and between 13 and 16 individual races including six ocean crossings.

Here is a link to the Trailer of the Clipper 2023-24 Race Documentary ‘No Going Back’ that is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. And this You Tube video - The Oceans are Our Race Track - talks in more detail about how mental fortitude is just as important as physical fortitude to complete this race. It also shows how the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race truly pushes boundaries for the true adventurers who take part.

On race start Natasha will have a live race tracker so it can be followed until she finishes.

If you are able, please support Natasha's Fundraiser for Cancer Research UK. You can donate via her fundraising page here. Please note that all funds raised go directly to the charity.

Follow Natasha on Facebook here.