AN engineer from Worcester is set to embark on a “life-changing” round-the-world yacht race.

James Gordon, who lives in Barbourne, was selected from thousands of applicants across the world to take part in the first leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The event was founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – the first man to sail solo, non-stop around the world – to provide non-professional sailors the opportunity to compete in a round-the-world yacht race.

Mr Gordon, a mechanical engineer by day, was a sailing novice when he saw an advert for the event in a paper and applied in December 2009.

Since then, he has undergone intensive training to ensure he is able to cope with the extreme conditions he will encounter navigating 4,000 miles across the Atlantic ocean from Britain to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The 33-year-old said he was looking forward to the challenge. “I fancied doing something sailing-wise – it was something I really had to do,” said Mr Gordon.

“I saved up quite a bit of money to do it. It’s going to be life-changing.

“The crew I’m with range from 18 years old to mid 60s, and are from different backgrounds and abilities.

“I think one of the hardest things will be coping with the lack of personal space. The yacht is 68ft long and there are 18 crew members, plus a skipper.”

Mr Gordon will sail from Southampton on Sunday, July 31, and is one of 450 people taking part in the 40,000-mile circumnavigation of the world.

A farewell party will take place at the Old Rectifying House pub in North Parade, Worcester, on Sunday, July 10, from 5pm and members of the public are welcome to attend.

The event will include a raffle and proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK.

For more details and to follow Mr Gordon’s progress, visit clipperroundtheworld. com.