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At 64, Geoff Vautier has decided to rewrite his story and embark on the Clipper Round the World Race 2025-26. Following two cancer episodes, Geoff has a new lease on life, seeking out adventure and a healthier lifestyle.
Meet the rest of our ambassadorsThe race has officially started and with long hours at sea, and Geoff needs gear that can withstand the harshest of environments. Geoff knows that the right gear helps you to keep your head in the game. Sailing requires sharp focus, quick reflexes, and strength, all of which are compromised when you're cold. Warm and weatherproof gear helps keep you comfortable, allowing you to stay alert, make quick decisions, and maintain control of the boat.
Geoff Vautier is a Chartered Accountant and seasoned CFO from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. At 66, he’s swapping boardrooms for the open ocean as a full circumnavigation crew member in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race — a nearly year-long journey covering 46,000 nautical miles, touching six continents, and testing the endurance of even the most seasoned travellers.
Despite having no sailing background, Geoff is taking on all eight legs of the Clipper Race — earning the title of "Round the Worlder" among his team. With a rotating amateur crew of up to 22 people, and only the skipper and first mate as professionals, Geoff's role is hands-on. He’ll be on watch, hoisting sails, steering, managing supplies, and sleeping in shifts, sometimes on the high seas for up to 35 days at a time.
He’s also taken on the critical job of Chief Victualler, responsible for sourcing and budgeting food in unfamiliar ports, keeping the team fed on just £5 per person per day — no small task when racing points are deducted for going over budget.
Geoff’s no stranger to challenge. His past exploits include aerobatics in a WWII Harvard, gliding over the Wairarapa, multiple 3,500 km outback rides on a 110cc Postie Bike across Australia, and long-distance motorcycle tours on his BMW — including a 1,600 km-in-a-day ride. Adventure has always been part of the plan. This race, he says, is simply the next chapter. “It’s a good bookend to finally retiring — otherwise, I’d just keep working.”
Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm near Eketāhuna, Geoff grew up with Norsewear. “Back then, everyone wore the flecked socks, wool jerseys, and hats — we’d always stop at the Norsewear factory shop on trips to the Hawke’s Bay. I’ve continued to wear their gear ever since.”
The Clipper Race starts in August 2025 and finishes 11 months later in July 2026. Geoff plans to share his stories on the speaking circuit and is eyeing future adventures — though he’s also recently taken up croquet, in case life ever does slow down.
