A Pembrokeshire sailor is set to take on one of the toughest jobs in sailing as she is appointed as one of three Skippers in the upcoming edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Haverfordwest’s Lowri “Lou” Boorman has just been announced as a Clipper 2025-26 Race Skipper.

Lou, along with Alistair Dickson, and Gavin Rees will each lead one of eleven teams of non-professional sailors, making six ocean crossings on the 40,000 nautical mile, eleven-month race around the globe. The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind which trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers and take on the endurance challenge of a lifetime. 

Lou Boorman has competitive sailing in her blood. At age 16 she had already competed on the international sailing stage, clinching the British, Irish and Welsh Female Champion title.

To be appointed as a Clipper Race Skipper is a “huge professional and personal goal” for her.

She said: “The balance of sailing skill, problem solving, people management and endurance for over 40,000nm is all part of the challenge.

“I can’t wait to witness the magic of the sea, the stars, the storms and mostly the remoteness and the environment it provides for the most profound realisations and conversations. I feel free and at my happiest at sea.”

Lou’s career started at just eight years old when she got a taste for sailing through her local RYA Onboard scheme, quickly becoming hooked. Her vast and varied career has taken her all around the world. She also boasts being the youngest person to ever skipper the Round Britain and Ireland Race.

The next edition will start from Portsmouth on August 31 and over the course of the almost yearlong event, over 700 participants will face all that Mother Nature can throw at them. From hurricane force winds, to blistering heat, the isolation of the North Pacific Ocean to learning to live aboard a yacht with stripped back facilities with up to 23 others – this event is a true test of mental and physical fortitude.

Sailing is one of the few sports where men and women compete together in mixed teams. On this, Lou added: “There are no ‘pink jobs’ or ‘blue jobs’ on the boat. I am capable of doing every role and I am 5ft 2. If I can do everything, I know every single one of my crew can do all of those jobs as well.”