Holly Newton, 19, is one of a crew of 18 on the yacht, Hull and Humber, which is among 10 taking part in the race that started from Liverpool and will finish next June or July.

It is the brainchild of Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, the first person to sail solo round the world non-stop.

The race comprises seven legs and Holly is taking part in the third leg from Durban in South Africa to Fremantle in Australia. She flew to South Africa to join the yacht there and will spend four weeks aboard before leaving it in Australia.

Holly's big adventure started when she answered an advert about the race and she was chosen from 150 people aged 18 to 25. She had no previous experience of sailing but was then sent on a four-week intensive sailing course in Gosport.

Holly, who was brought up in Robin Hood's Bay, was educated at Whitby schools and at college in Redcar.

Her mum Joan said: "She thoroughly enjoyed it all, although it was hard work. But she's always been a sporty girl and she always knew she wanted to travel so she saw this as an opportunity to further her education with sailing and travelling.

"She'll gain much experience through this great trip and hopefully enjoy every minute of it although it's not a task to be taken lightly.

"The 18 crew members live in close quarters on a 68ft yacht with privacy at a minimum, unpredictable sea conditions and lack of sleep and seasickness to have to deal with along the way.

"We were tearful when we saw her off but we're going to join her in Fremantle for Christmas."

To keep up to date with Holly's adventures, click here.