TRAINING for the world's toughest round-the-world yacht race is well under way for a Worcestershire man.

Richard George, from Pershore, has just completed his fourth training session in Southampton and will soon be ready for the 2004 Global Challenge.

The 10-day training sail, also known as the "development sail", was the longest period that he had been out on the high seas.

It gave the 49-year-old a real idea of what the race is going to be like, including getting used to the cold temperatures, freeze-dried food and the delights of boil-in-the bag beef hotpot.

"Setting into the routine of the watch system highlighted the essential elements of this challenge, the bursts of frenetic activity on deck are surrounded by the long periods of routine cleaning, eating and sleeping," he said.

"The team bonding between the crew volunteers is vital to the performance of the boat," he said.

Richard will be one of 17 volunteer crewmen, who are from all walks of life, nationalities and ages, on board the one of the 12 identical 72' Global Challenge race yachts, which leave port in September 2004.

Alex Phillips, yacht skipper, said the development sail is the most important training session for the crew as it puts them through their paces and prepares them mentally and physically.

"It's not been an easy ride for Richard who's had to get up at the crack of dawn everyday, run and swim, climb up the 95ft mast, get his head around ocean meteorology and practice man-overboard drills.

"Richard had been an asset to have on board and a real team player.

"I am confident that he will not only have the adventure of his life but will also be a very valued member of this yacht when they race around the world next year," he said.