Applebey's set for big challenge

Oxford's Ross Applebey is about to embark on a challenge of a lifetime by racing the yacht Scarlet Logic in the tough 1,800 mile Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race. Setting off from Cowes today, the event involving a fleet of 28 boats from 12 different countries, will see some of the world’s fastest yachts and professional sailors compete on the same race course as seasoned amateurs. Applebey will be competing alongside the likes of round- the-world sailors, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Dee Caffari and Brian Thompson. The record for this race is just over five days and depending on the weather, could take up to two weeks. The coastline is notorious for highly-changeable weather, wicked tides and currents and puts the race among the most difficult. Most yachts are fully crewed but four entries will be racing with just two crew, making their individual experience even tougher. Five of the yachts competing in the Volvo Ocean Race are using the event as a warm-up to their global race in October.