Navigating the Clipper Race as a Marlow Ambassador
“Being a Marlow Brand Ambassador during the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race was an unexpected highlight of my circumnavigation. What began as capturing footage and hosting clients in Fremantle and Seattle evolved into something far more meaningful – a deeply personal journey of discovery, skill development, and genuine passion for sustainable sailing and rope technology“
The Transfromative Factory Visit
The factory tour in the UK before the race stands out as a pivotal and transformative moment in my ambassador journey. Meeting the Marlow Ropes team face-to-face, learning about the company’s history and their sustainability philosophy, and witnessing their manufacturing processes firsthand completely shifted my perspective on sailing equipment and corporate responsibility. This experience went far beyond a typical corporate visit – it became the foundation for understanding how high-performance sailing equipment could be created from recycled materials while maintaining uncompromising quality.
Marlow weren’t just talking about sustainability; they were engineering solutions and making it easy for sailors who either don’t know where to start with sustainable practices or lack the inclination to research alternatives. Meeting the people behind the brand – understanding their passion and dedication to both performance and environmental responsibility, created a personal connection that would influence every aspect of my racing experience.
Dianne meets Paul at Marlow Ropes for a factory tour
The Evolution of Technical Expertise
Perhaps the most unexpected outcome of my ambassador role was how it enhanced my racing experience by deepening my connection to every sheet and line on board. The factory visit and ongoing responsibility for understanding and documenting rope usage motivated me to learn far beyond what I might have achieved as a typical crew member. I became intimately familiar with every line and sheet on our Clipper 70, developing such tactile expertise that as the race progressed, I could identify each rope by feel alone in complete darkness.
This profound knowledge proved invaluable during racing. My growing expertise led to increased responsibilities, evolving into one of the pit coordinators during key manoeuvres.
My rope repair and splicing skills developed dramatically throughout the race. What began as basic rope maintenance evolved into creative problem-solving, stripping old lines to create sail ties and repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded. This hands-on sustainability practice aligned perfectly with Marlow’s environmental philosophy while providing practical benefits for our boat’s operations.
The Power of Integrated Storytelling
Creating race blogs that combined my race experiences, sustainability insights, and lessons learned became more than documentation – it gave me a unique storytelling platform. This storytelling responsibility enhanced my engagement with the race itself. Instead of simply experiencing events, I found myself analysing them, seeking connections between our daily sailing challenges and broader themes of environmental responsibility. Each blog entry became a tool for deeper reflection, helping me process the enormity of ocean racing while maintaining awareness of its broader context and meaning.
Spinnaker selfie on PSP Logistics during the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht Race
Some of my strongest memories include:
the fun sail day with Marlow’s team and key clients in Seattle, where experienced sailing industry professionals enjoyed increasingly challenging conditions, and
the conversations during factory visits that revealed the passionate individuals behind the corporate brand.
Professional & Personal Growth
The ambassador experience enhanced my professional skill set in unexpected ways. Beyond the obvious technical sailing improvements, I developed stronger visual storytelling abilities and gained experience representing a brand while maintaining authentic personal voice. These skills proved valuable well beyond the sailing context.
More significantly, the role deepened my understanding of how sustainability initiatives can be practically implemented without compromising performance standards. Witnessing Marlow’s approach to environmental responsibility while maintaining their reputation for quality provided a template for thinking about sustainable practices in other contexts.
Reflection & Lasting Impact
The knowledge and perspectives gained through this ambassadorship continue to influence how I approach sailing (and all other sports to be honest!) and environmental responsibility. Understanding rope technology at this level has made me a more effective sailor, while the sustainability insights inform my broader environmental advocacy.
The relationships formed – with Marlow team members, Clipper Race staff, and fellow crew members who shared this journey – remain valuable connections that extend well beyond the race itself. The experience also positioned me as someone with unique insights into both high-performance sailing and sustainable marine practices, opening doors for future collaborations and speaking opportunities.
The ambassador experience ultimately proved that taking on additional responsibilities during major life adventures can amplify rather than diminish the experience. It was far more than an add-on to my circumnavigation; it became integral to my journey, shaping how I understood both the technical and philosophical aspects of high-performance sailing. The knowledge, relationships, and perspectives gained continue to influence my approach to sailing and environmental responsibility, creating lasting value that extends well beyond the race itself.
Thank you to the team at Marlow Ropes and the Clipper Race for enabling this.
Dianne McGrath – August 2025
Collage of images (memories!) from the Clipper 2023-24 Round the World Yacht race