In August 2011 the starter's gun will fire, beginning the world's longest yacht race. I will have just turned 50 years old, a great time to fulfill ambitions! 11 months later, I hope to have successfully circled the world's oceans, proudly returning shortly before the London 2012 Olympics.
Race Miles Funded:
Sponsorship Raised:
Individual Sponsors:
Charity Donations:
"Clipper" is an established and unique global event:
10 identical yachts sponsored by cities and countries around the world
Only round the world yacht race open to non-professional crew
Giving ordinary people the opportunity to achieve extraordinary things
I committed to the Race in January 2010, self funding (£8,900) the pre-race training and first leg of the race from the UK to Rio De Janeiro - 5,620 miles.
Help now needed to return home ....the long way round !
My first goal is to fund the remainder of the berth fees by work, and by attracting business and individual sponsorship. Every £1 raised in sponsorship will take me 1 mile across the ocean.
My second goal is to match each mile with £1 for charity.
Ocean race 40,000 miles; create £40,000 for charity.
Why am I doing this? Two quotes sum it up:
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Howard Thurman
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give". Winston Churchill
I'm at my most alive when I am using my natural strengths to the full. When I am exploring the world, appreciating nature, striving for a challenging goal, working hard in a team and helping others to appreciate and harness their strengths. I am inspired by this opportunity and want to share this with as many people as possible.
12/03/2010 - Ocean racing - in perspective
The Clipper race takes place every two years. At this moment the fleet is crossing the pacific ocean in Force 9/10 winds and mountainous seas. This mornings news puts the daily problems of business life in perspective.
"Skipper of Hull & Humber, Piers Dudin, has sustained an open fracture to his right leg after a fall on the tenth day of Race 7 to San Francisco. The incident was immediately reported to Falmouth Coastguard and is now in the hands of the Japanese Coastguard who are co-ordinating the medevac."
The skipper of a Clipper yacht is the only professional sailor on board. However, after their intensive training and 18,000 miles experience the boat is now in the hands of her amateur crew in the middle of the pacific. The nearest doctor is a crew member on her sister ship The Spirit of Australia. The medi-evacuation is being co-ordinated by Falmouth coast guard st ... more >>
CHARITIES
I am passionate about helping others achieve their full potential and believe that this is a key driver of positive social change.
So, I am delighted to be working in partnership with Inspiring Scotland, using my "Challenge of a Lifetime" to help them improve the lives of Scotlands young people
In an economic crisis it is the most vulnerable in society who suffer most and donors may feel they have less to give.
Tough times call for smart giving, finding innovative ways of solving social problems and maximising the impact of funding.
BUSINESS
Ocean racing is a great metaphor for business performance. Individual motivation, high quality teamwork and a passion for continuous improvement are essential components of success.
If you like what I am doing I would love to hear about your business and your challenges.
If you have a great idea about how sponsoring me could create value for your business please get in touch.
Perhaps you would like to make a contribution to my charitable causes, financial or 'in kind'
INDIVIDUAL
Would you like to be an individual supporter, share the race experience with me?
Perhaps make a donation to my charitable causes, and help raised £1 for every race mile.
© Thomas McGuire 2010, all rights reserved.
For more information you can contact Tom on 
or through the mailform