Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race

At the age of 19, Conrad joined the Ukrainian W60 team, Odessa for the Whitbread Round the World Race. An incredible project that had struggled out of the old eastern block during the early 90’s and arrived without funding to the start line of this epic round the world race. Conrad, who had spent a few years training with the British Youth Challenge Team, joined Odessa in Punte Del Este, Uruguay to set sail around the world.  The team was made up of 4 Ukrainian sailors, one Russian, an Australian, a Kiwi, an Irishman and Conrad.

This was to be Conrad’s baptism into ocean racing, and as one of the youngest sailors in the race the experience left him hungry for more. During their remarkable circumnavigation, they were to experience all manner of challenges, and the dynamics of the team often resulted in major friction onboard the boat. Conrad stuck with it and completed the race after 9 months, arriving into Southampton at the age of 21 with a Whitbread under his belt. The experience taught him the values of people, leadership and teamwork and whilst this team had at times bickered and fought their way around the world, Conrad was hooked and knew that one day he would lead his own team around the world.

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