Clipper Race Participant Jack Ridgway Reflects on Successful Adventure

Irish-Luxembourger Jack Ridgway has now returned from the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, succeeding in his goal to raise €20,000 for charity.

The Luxembourg-based non-profit organisations Fondation Cancer and Think Pink, as well as the Ireland-based Irish Cancer Society and the Our Isles & Oceans charity thus each received €5,000. As he previously shared with Chronicle.lu, Jack Ridgway undertook this challenge to support causes close to his heart, and in fond memory of his late mother.

As a reminder, the race started on 7 March 2024 in Zhuhai, China, carrying on to Qingdao and from there across the Pacific Ocean to Seattle, USA. The journey ended on 25 April 2024.

Chronicle.lu had the opportunity to speak with Jack upon his return, learning more about the challenging journey he undertook.

Chronicle.lu: Please describe some of the biggest challenges you faced during the journey.

Jack Ridgway: Living on the boat was probably the biggest challenge of all. It encompasses a lot of the challenges. Sixteen people all sharing a small space is not easy, alone time doesn’t really exist. I get seasick and going below deck really sets it off so for the first couple of days of each race I was pretty useless to the crew below. It goes away eventually and you start to feel like a human again, but really the only thing you can do is suck it up and wait until it goes away. Because the boat is always moving, and you’re moving, and the two are normally going in different directions, it always feels like the boat is trying to trip you. Getting beat up by a boat is not really something you get used to, it’s more just something you accept as a fact of life onboard. I enjoyed the sailing aspect, that’s why we were there! Living (existing is maybe a better word) onboard was the real challenge. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with challenges, so much of it was about just putting your head down and doing what you needed to do so you got through it. It’s probably not the best advice for others, but I don’t really know how else to say that; eventually [you] have to just suck it up and get through it, and if you have fun doing that, then that’s a bonus.

Chronicle.lu: What kind of support did you have during your adventure, both on and off the water?

Jack Ridgway: The crew was really the biggest support. I had email onboard and got some messages from family and friends through that, but the people you are next to are the people you lean on. You trust that they know what they’re doing and that they have your back. It was amazing to have them by your side though the highs, but when it really counted was during the lows. They’re the ones that come and check on you if you’re not feeling 100%, bake treats and make sure everyone gets a piece, and bring good energy to the tougher moments. I’d also like to especially mention our water-resistant Bluetooth speakers and our music playlists, they had a big impact on morale!

Chronicle.lu: What was the most rewarding moment of your sailing adventure?

Jack Ridgway: I have three big moments when I really felt it was all worth it. We won the first race I took part in from Zhuhai to Qingdao, which was a fantastic feeling. The arrival ceremony, the way the crew felt, and seeing that first place flag on the boat meant so much. I got the honour of steering the boat across the International Date Line, which was a really cool moment. All the crew were on deck and we had a little celebration! Unofficially, it was the halfway point of the race and felt like something very special, plus I get to say I went back in time, which is pretty cool. The last moment was coming into Seattle after we crossed the finish line. It was dark and we were using the motor but we could see the lights of the city and as we got closer, I really started to reflect on what we had achieved and all the challenges we had overcome during the last 30 days. It was really special and a feeling I will not forget. 

Chronicle.lu: Knowing what you know now, do you think you could have prepared better for the race?

Jack Ridgway: Mentally, it is such a unique challenge, I’m not sure I could really have prepared for it in any way. While everything I’ve done in the past would have contributed to how I react to adversity, I’m not sure there is a way you could practice for it. Physically, I felt I was in a good place but there are things I would change to my gym routine knowing what I know now. Lifting heavier, more sprint types of workouts would have been a useful addition. I would also have practised baking more. We baked bread every morning onboard, and while my bread making skills definitely improved, it would have been nice to be able to make the crew a sweet treat!

Chronicle.lu: What are your plans for your next adventure or challenge?

Jack Ridgway: I just did a half marathon which was cool, but I’ve decided to do a full marathon at the end of October. Otherwise, nothing else planned yet, though I’m sure I’ll think of something soon!

Chronicle.lu: Would you do it again in a year's time (or later)?

Jack Ridgway: I wouldn’t do it in a year. That’s not to say I wouldn’t ever do it or something similar again, however, for now, I feel like I achieved what I wanted to achieve, and there are other adventures out there that I’d like to try before coming back to ones I’ve already done. If anyone is going to the North or South Pole, let me know! On to the next adventure!