Yachts

Thermopylae Clipper

History

Thermopylae Clipper is a 60ft cutter rig yacht, purpose built in 1996 for the Clipper Round the World Race. She was named after the famous tea clipper of 1868 which was one of the fastest ships in the China tea trade. Thermopylae Clipper competed in four round the world races as -Leeds Clipper- and -Hong Kong Clipper- before reverting to her original name. Thermopylae Clipper became the third yacht in Discovery Sailing Project's fleet in 2007 where she now takes young people on Sail Training voyages and competes annually in the International Tall Ships Races.

Ship

Thermopylae Clipper is the largest yacht in Discovery Sailing Project’s fleet of three. Having previously completed four circumnavigations, Thermopylae Clipper is a very sturdy and spacious yacht perfectly suited to Sail Training. Being on board a smaller yacht means that each individual on board plays an essential role; competing in the Tall Ships Races on board Thermopylae Clipper gives you real hands on experience of all roles on board. Life on board is friendly and fun and there’s always plenty to do to keep you occupied, from sail handling and helming to navigation and boat maintenance. Their philosophy is that teamwork makes a team work – everyone mucks in and has fun doing so. That’s why you’re just as likely to see the Skipper cleaning the heads as the crew! Thermopylae Clipper is staffed by volunteers, who ensure high quality instruction, and regulated by the MCA who uphold the highest levels of safety to ensure that trainees have an exhilarating voyage – our feedback suggests that many find their time on board a life changing experience. Come and experience it for yourself.

Accommodation

Thermopylae Clipper is fitted out to accommodate 15 people; usually ten crew and five sea staff. She is extraordinarily spacious and airy compared to other yachts her size and boasts comfortable bunks, plenty of personal stowage space and large galley & communal spaces. Accommodation is set out in two main sleeping areas with four bunks forwards, ten at midships and the skippers cabin in the stern. There are two heads and one shower on board. There is also a designated navigation room which contains modern electronic navigation systems in addition to the all important traditional navigation methods which you will learn a thing or two about during your voyage.

Specifications