A HAVERFORDWEST woman is among 20 sailing professionals who will leave Portsmouth on Sunday, 31 August, leading their 10 teams on an 11-month endurance challenge around the world.

The Clipper Race is the only event of its kind that trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers.

And on this record-breaking edition, 11 out of the 20 exceptional leaders will be women – the first time this has been seen in a round the world sailing race.

Each of the ten teams taking part has an experienced skipper and first mate on board.

Welsh Clipper Race skipper, Lowri ‘Lou’ Boorman, said: “There are no ‘pink jobs’ or ‘blue jobs’ on the boat.

“I am capable of doing every role and I am 5ft 2.

“If I can do everything, I know every single one of my crew can do all of those jobs as well.”

An appointment as a skipper and first mate on the Clipper Race is one of the toughest jobs in sailing.

Each will lead teams of non-professionals, making six ocean crossings on the 40,000 nautical mile race around the globe.

Each team is crewed by up to 22 people – with up to 40% having never sailed before signing up.

On the current edition, crew’s day jobs include teacher, plumber, firefighter, accountant and pastry chef – and hail from over 50 nations around the world.

All have been through intensive and rigorous training to take part in the adventure of a lifetime.

Over the course of the almost year-long event, over 700 participants will face all that Mother Nature can throw at them.

From hurricane force winds, to blistering heat, the isolation of the North Pacific Ocean to learning to live on a yacht with stripped back facilities – this event is a test of mental and physical fortitude.