In February 2003, Stephen Murphy, a 57-year-old university manager, responded to an advert in the Sunday papers inviting anyone who was interested in grasping a once in a lifetime opportunity to do something exceptional, to take part in a round the world yacht race commencing in the autumn of 2005.

And this is how Stephen came to be a crew member, bowman and medic on board New York Clipper when on September 18th, 2005 she and nine other identical 68 foot clipper rigged yachts sailed from Liverpool. They went down the Mersey to the Irish Sea at the start of the epic 40,000 mile journey which would see them returning to Liverpool on July 4th, 2006.

Stephen will be giving a presentation about his epic voyage at Sellack Village Hall on Friday, June 15th at 7pm, Each boat was crewed by up to 18 amateur sailors and a professional skipper, and was sponsored by, and named after one of ten cities around the world, acting as a host port on this circumnavigation of the globe.

Ocean yacht racing is one of the most dangerous sports in the world,

The race takes place every two years and in the first seven races, whilst there were a number of quite serious injuries, and one boat was lost following grounding on an unmarked rock, there were no fatalities. In more recent races however people have lost their lives in very tragic circumstances.

Come along to Sellack Village Hall to hear more about Stephen’s adventures at sea. For more information telephone 01989 565562.