Viewing the Clipper 05-06 Yacht Race Through PureVision Lenses

The Clipper 05-06 Yacht Race was a 35,000 mile round the world adventure in which amateur sailors in 68 foot yachts battled wind, rain and high seas to reach the finish line in Liverpool.

According to the British contestant, Beccy Lock who was wearing PureVision lenses from the 20-20 Optical Store, her performance and on board experience were considerably improved by her contacts.

Here she describes the challenges of life on board and how her lenses made a difference.

The weather conditions faced by the crews varied from beautiful, sunny but windless days to storms and blizzard conditions. On each boat the crew, of between 12 and 18, was divided in two, with one watch racing the yacht and the other sleeping or resting.

“The watch system means that you typically only have 2½ hours’ sleep at a time,” says Lock. “It would have been a nightmare to have had to remove my lenses every time I went to my bunk, especially in rough conditions. My PureVision lenses meant that I could forget I was wearing contact lenses and get those precious few more minutes in bed.”

The advantages of the contact lenses were also clear on deck. In heavier seas there can be a lot of water crashing over the deck and lots of spray around. During sail changes the crew have to go up to the bow to hank on the new sail and take down the old one.

“Despite the best efforts of the helmsman, up on the bow we’d often get swamped by ‘greenies’ – big waves that would engulf us. If I’d had my glasses on I wouldn’t have been able to see a thing.

Instead I’d just wince as a trickle of cold water found its way into my waterproofs and down my neck – and then get on with the job!”

“Back on the helm, in strong winds and driving rain, I could also still comfortably see the compass to steer my course, which is essential in ocean racing.”

It’s not all cold and rough though; the fleet sailed slowly through the notorious Doldrums, basked in the sunshine of the Western Australian coast and saw albatrosses, whales and dolphins.

“It has been an incredible experience and thanks to the 20-20 Optical Store and Bausch & Lomb’s PureVision contact lenses, I was able to see the world differently.”