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Here we go again, continuing where I left off with my sailing journey and raising money for UNICEF UK.

In my latest attempt at dodging middle-age I am risking privations, perils and penury to take part in the Clipper Round the World yacht race. Now with some previous sailing experience I will be attempting to propel myself across the Atlantic Ocean under sail power alone. Not alone in the personal sense though - I’m not that daft - but with a team, a dedicated  team, Team Mike, racing in support of UNICEF UK. 

Established by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston the Clipper Race sees eleven identical 70-foot ocean racing yachts - crewed by amateurs and novice sailors - compete in a record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world. UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) works in 190 countries worldwide – including the UK – to support children in crisis. To help UNICEF with fundraising the Clipper Race have donated a boat to the charity complete with a fully trained race crew – and I am lucky enough to be a part of that crew.

Ocean racing is normally the domain of seasoned pro’s but this supreme challenge is being taken on by ordinary, everyday people; many, like me, who have never sailed before. The conditions on-board are Spartan, and with the crews living cheek-by-jowl modesty soon goes out of the porthole. Washing facilities are next to non-existent and as for heating or air-conditioning, forget about it; even the bunks are shared so when one is on watch the other sleeps. There are mountainous seas to contend with, extremes of temperature and weather, everything at a permanent angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal, sleep deprivation, short tempers, sea-sickness and no alcohol – yes, that’s right, not even the sniff of a rum ration. This is no cruise.

During  four weeks of intensive training I have sailed over 1200 nautical miles, tied more knots than I thought possible and met some extraordinary people - and I only lost my dinner once. I will join the start of the race in September and will sail nearly 6,500 miles from the UK to Uruguay, crossing both the Atlantic Ocean and the equator. I’m really looking forward to it butI expect things to be tough. There will be searing temperatures near the equator and big seas in the Atlantic.

All crew members pay for their berths themselves and the Clipper Race is funded by commercial sponsorship. 100% of all your donations through JustGiving will go to UNICEF.

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