A BARNSLEY sailor has stepped down as skipper of a yacht competing in an epic round-the-world race.
Roy Taylor has given up the helm of the PSP Logistics vessel, one of 12 yachts competing in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race.
The 47-year-old, a former Royal Air Force weapons technician-turned-sailor, revealed his decision to step down from his role after arriving in Cape Town at the weekend, after completing the second leg of the sea odyssey.
Explaining his decision, which he revealed to his crew shortly after arriving into Cape Town, Roy said: “After a considerable amount of thought and with a heavy heart I have decided to resign my position as Clipper Race skipper.
“This Clipper Race is hugely competitive and having completed two legs of the race so far, watching the team on PSP Logistics grow since crew allocation from a group of individuals into a potential race winning team, I’ve come to realise that they deserve a more race-orientated skipper who can release their full potential and guide them towards the success that they so thoroughly deserve.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been selected as a race skipper and to have had the opportunity to lead this wonderful team this far.”
Matt Mitchell took over leadership of the team with immediate effect. Roy said: “They will be in great hands with Matt at the helm and I wish Matt and all the team all the very best in the coming months as they battle for the Clipper Race trophy.”
Roy led his team through a difficult second leg of the race after the team suffered an unexpected setback when a whale hit the yacht’s starboard rudder, putting them significantly behind the rest of the fleet. No-one on board was hurt and the whale reportedly suffered no apparent injury.
While there was no risk to the yacht at any time, race bosses instructed the team to turn around and motor-sail back to Uruguay for repairs.
Despite the setback, Roy, who grew up in Uplands Avenue, Kexborough, appeared to be remaining optimistic and his decision to quit left colleagues saddened.
Clipper Race director Mark Light said: “He achieved an excellent podium result in race one and was very much a valued member of our team, respected by the race office, his crew, and his fellow skippers.
“We do however have to respect his decision and have found them an excellent replacement in Matt Mitchell who is one of our most experienced skippers.”
PSP Logistics boss Frank Dixie added: “Roy will be missed for so many reasons and not least of all because he is a fabulous guy.
“He is liked and respected by all of us at PSP Logistics and by those involved in the Clipper Race, and whilst we respect his decision we would like it known that he will be sorely missed. We appreciate the decision must have been a hard one to make and wish him well for the future.”
The team has now set sail without Roy for next part of the race to Fremantle in Australia, crossing the Southern Ocean, which began on Tuesday.
