I have now set off on my challenge to sail the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to tackle Mother Nature’s elements and raise money for Children in Need. 

The first race of three in my leg starts from San Francisco on April 19  passing under the Golden Gate Bridge and heading south to the Panama. You can follow the race fortunes at www.clipperroundtheworld.com or download the free Yellowbrick app to your smartphone from either the App Store. 

For years I've wanted to learn to sail, but whilst raising two daughters it's been hard to find the time. Eighteen months ago after  a chance meeting with a former crew member, I signed myself up for the Clipper Round The World Race.

Casting off on the 19th April, I'll be sailing 5,500 nautical miles from San Francisco to New York via the Panama Canal aboard the good ship Great Britain. The race sees a fleet of 12 identical 70ft racing yachts each with an experienced skipper and a novice crew, doing battle with some of the toughest conditions Mother Nature can muster up. Having left from London last September, the teams have already journeyed to Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Singapore and China and are currently tackling the mammoth Pacific crossing.

A huge amount of preparation has gone into this two month battle with both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with many wet and windy weekends in the Channel spent preparing for the adventure. Having entirely funded the trip myself, I would now like to use this opportunity to raise money for Children in Need. I would love to raise £1 for every nautical mile I sail. Providing grants to organisations across the UK, Children in Need strive to make sure every child has a safe, happy and secure childhood and that allows them to reach their full potential. Please help to support this fantastic cause.

 

www.clipperroundtheworld.com