From driving rain to global acclaim: Team London Business School sails to second place

Just a year after departing Portsmouth in driving rain, Team London Business School returned under blue skies having completed one of the world's toughest endurance challenges. After eleven months, six continents and more than 40,000 nautical miles, the team finished an outstanding second overall in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The achievement was about more than sailing. Throughout the race, the yacht served as a floating ambassador for London Business School, visiting ports from Cape Town and Fremantle to Qingdao while connecting with alumni, prospective students, business leaders and local communities worldwide.

"A few years ago, we recognised that Clipper Ventures plc and London Business School had a great deal in common," said Lowri Sparkes, Sponsorship Manager at London Business School. "We both transform people's lives. Bringing these two iconic brands together has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate leadership, resilience and personal growth."

Those values were tested daily. Unlike most yacht races, the Clipper Race is sailed in an identical fleet, meaning success depends entirely on teamwork.

"It has been an absolute privilege to sail under the London Business School name," said Skipper Gav Rees. "Every yacht is identical. What makes the difference is the people on board. Building trust and creating a team that performs under pressure is exactly what London Business School is all about."

Against experienced competition, Team London Business School secured second place overall in a race renowned for testing endurance, judgement and teamwork.

The race also strengthened the School's global community. Alumni welcomed the crew at stopovers across South Africa, Australia, China and beyond, turning each port into a homecoming.

"One of the real highlights has been connecting with the London Business School community all over the world," said First Mate Zoe Longley. "Wherever we stopped, alumni came out to support the team. It made us feel that wherever the boat arrived, we already had a team waiting for us."

Back on campus, students, faculty, staff and alumni followed the yacht's progress, celebrating milestones throughout the circumnavigation.

"The whole School has really got behind the crew," said Sparkes. "Seeing the boat arrive after such an extraordinary journey is a testament to the resilience and spirit of everyone on board."

Chris Rushton, Managing Director of Clipper Ventures, praised London Business School as "an exceptional partner", highlighting its engagement across global stopovers and commitment to promoting leadership, teamwork, resilience and stepping outside comfort zones.

Reflecting on the journey, Rees joked that a memorable steak dinner in Qingdao ranked highly among the highlights before adding, "Crossing the finish line in second place probably just edges it."

Over 40,000 nautical miles, Team London Business School showcased the qualities that define the School - leadership, teamwork, resilience, adaptability and a global outlook. The partnership strengthened alumni connections, introduced the School to new audiences and demonstrated what can be achieved when people challenge themselves.

From a rain-soaked departure to a sunlit return, it was an extraordinary voyage and a partnership that has left a lasting legacy.