I have dreamt about the sea for many years, and had wanted to learn to sail since I was very young..

My Father was sadly taken from us in 2006 after battling with Cancer for 3 years. His final wish was to be scattered at sea. As a dutiful Son, I saw to it that this was carried out. I chartered a yacht from Gosport and to which all his immediate family attended. As we returned to the marina I noticed a number of sleek looking yachts and asked the Skipper about them. He told me that these were boats that trained amateur sailors to race an Ocean Yacht - Around the World.

I was immediately hooked! Went home and google'd CLIPPER Round the World Yacht Race, and before I knew it I was at London Boat Show, having my interview for the 2011-2012 race!

I will be taking part in Leg One, which will see the fleet of 10 Boats race from the UK to Southern Europe, and after a brief stop over, across the Atlantic to beautiful Rio De Janeiro!

Before the race start, I will be put through some very extensive training to prepare me for the challenges of racing out in the open ocean!

I have decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, as they gave my Father, Alan Hewitt, and his family so much support during his final year.

(Thank you Dad for leading me to the start of this adventure!)