Holly Newton (19) is taking part in the 4,200-mile third leg of the race from Durban to Fremantle and is due in the Australia in nine days' time.

Her Hull and Humber crew were yesterday in fourth place in the current leg – and third overall – with the high pressure system which prevented any major gains or losses now subsiding.

The yachts are in the middle of the Indian Ocean, south east of Madagascar, just over 2,000 miles from Fremantle.

There was some drama earlier in the third leg when Holly and her colleagues were involved in the rescue of a crew member who fell overboard 600 miles off the coast of South Africa. The 42-year-old man was recovered uninjured after being swept overboard from the bow in force six to seven winds.

The round-the-world race comprises seven legs in total.

Holly had flown to South Africa to join the yacht there and will get off in Australia.

Her adventure started when she answered an advert about the race and was chosen from 150 people, despite having no previous sailing experience.

Dad Alan said yesterday: "She's part of the team and loves it – she can't believe how lucky she is.

"We are going out to see her for Christmas and she might even stay on there and work – the world's her oyster now."

* KEEP up-to-date with Holly's adventures - click here to see how her team is getting on.