The 2010 winner of the ultimate long distance challenge – a 35,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe, “The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race”, Mr. Brendan Hall paid a visit to the Year 9 secondary students of St George’s International School and guest students from the International School of Luxembourg, presenting his book and demonstrating all of his team spirit, late last week.
EMCC in partnership with AMCHAM, organised the visit, with Mr. Hall sharing his knowledge and experience with the students around the challenges of managing and motivating a team through his presentation and many exceptional pictures. He shared his opinions (based on his journey) on what makes a great leader and the reasons he believes that his team won.
“Why did we win? We didn’t win because we were more experienced. We won because my team all had two specific character traits crucial for winning. These are; Persistence and Resistance,” he said.
Mr. Hall also shared various stories from during the race, which were particularly challenging. For example; everybody could only shower once a week and there was a complete lack of privacy on board. At one point in the race he had to assume responsibility for three yachts simultaneously, one of which had previously lost its mast in a storm. It was in times like these that Mr Hall learnt the value of persistence and resistance.
As the presentation came to an end, the students had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of his book “Team Spirit: Life and Leadership on One of the World’s Toughest Yacht Races” and chat with the athlete. Mr. Hall demonstrated amazing physical and mental endurance, a crucial life lesson for all.
St George’s International School Luxembourg is located in Luxembourg-Hamm and caters to approximately 700 students, with 230 in the Secondary school. Visits such as these are a regular occurrence and the school expressed its gratitude for meeting such an experienced athlete and exceptional individual.
Photos by St George's International School, Luxembourg
