A skipper is steeling himself for the launch of one of the world's leading ocean races.
Neal McDonald will head up the ten-man Ericsson crew in the Volvo Ocean Race when it gets underway next month.
The competition takes place once every four years and earned Brighton-born Mr McDonald a second-place prize during the previous run in 2001 to 2002.
The professional sailing teams cover more than 32,000 nautical miles, visiting ten ports in eight countries during eight months.
Mr McDonald said: "The race starts in just over a month and we still have lots to prepare.
"It always appears to be a huge effort before the start of any major race but this one feels worse than the rest I have done put together."
The race begins in Spain with teams aiming for the finishing line in Sweden in June 2006.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article