A FORMER Fulford School pupil has pooled all his holiday for eighteen months to join an epic sailing race for 33 days.

Oliver Micklethwaite-Howe, 30, who now works in investments in London, had never sailed before he signed up to take part in the Clipper Round the World Race.

He joined the yacht Visit Seattle in Liverpool, one of 12 identical boats all crewed by amateurs of which 40 per cent are first-timers.

His mother, York jeweller, Jo Bagshaw, said: "We have never been a sailing family, but Oli just fancied the trip of a lifetime and wanted to challenge himself.

"We are keeping a watch on where he is on the ship's diary online. We are proud of him for having a go."

The first leg is from Liverpool to Punta del Este in Uruguay covering 6,000 miles and lasting just over 30 days. The crews are multi-national with an age range from 18 to 76 and all have undergone a one month training course.

Mr Micklethwaite-Howe will be on board until Uruguay. The race is raising money for is raising money for UNICEF.

www.clipperroundtheworld.com