Sussex amateur yachtswoman Polly Pratt is setting sail on a six-month race halfway around the world.

Polly, 29, a psychologist from Brighton, will join 15 other amateur sailors on board a 60ft vessel for three legs of a circumnavigation of the globe.

She will leave Liverpool and sail to Hong Kong via Cuba, Panama, Hawaii, and Japan.

Eight yachts will compete in the race, covering up to 200 miles a day.

Polly's previous experience is limited to a few sailing holidays She said: "I have done some sailing before but not a huge amount.

"My boyfriend is a keen sailor and is rather jealous but cannot take the time off work."

Polly will embark on the journey in October and will celebrate Christmas in Panama City and the New Year en route to the Galapagos Islands.

After crossing the eastern Pacific she will enjoy a ten-day stopover in Hawaii before the 4,000-mile leg to Japan. Then there is a further rest in Shanghai before Polly's final leg to Hong Kong.

The event is organised by Clipper Ventures Plc and backed by international yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Everyone taking part in the race has to pay for the privilege, with around half of the crew members signing up for the full six stages of the journey covering 35,000 miles and lasting 11 months.

Some places are still available. For details contact Clipper Ventures on 02380 237088.