Amy Smith, from South Petherton, served as first mate on the Qingdao yacht during the Clipper 2025–26 Round the World Yacht Race, supporting a crew of non-professional sailors on the demanding global challenge. The team completed the final leg of the race, which began and ended in the UK, bringing Ms Smith full circle after nearly a year at sea. Ms Smith said: "This is all so overwhelming I don't know how to feel just yet. The Clipper Race stands out among global yacht events for training everyday people to take part in the adventure. Participants in the Clipper Race have included teachers, doctors, engineers, students, and retirees.