THE world’s longest ocean race is calling on more local residents to take on the challenge of a lifetime and achieve something extraordinary in the next edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Next week, race organisers will host a talk in the city at the Cardiff Marriott on Monday, November 24, at 6:30pm alongside former race alumni from across Wales, including 38 year-old Project Manager, Owen Jones from Barry, who had no previous sailing experience before signing up for the adventure.

Owen, who circumnavigated the globe and spent over 11 months at sea sailing across Mother Nature’s toughest oceans, is one of six Welshmen to have represented the country in the last edition of the race.

Owen says: “It still leaves me with a surreal feeling when I think about what I have achieved. The race provided me with the opportunity to learn a new skill and fulfil a lifelong aspiration; testing me physically and mentally in the face of the enormity of nature.

“The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was a great experience, enabling me to do what few have done before - less people have circumnavigated the globe, than have scaled Everest. There are some lovely places to sail off the coast of Wales, but I would encourage anybody who wants to see more and stretch themselves, to take a look at how far you can go, with fellow amateur crew and a professional skipper on the race. I am proud to say I undertook the challenge.”

Those who want to find out more and attend the talk will be in with a chance of winning the opportunity to experience a taste of the race and will automatically be entered into a draw for a place on board the first of four levels of training required to take part in the race at a value of £1,085.

Now in its 19th year, the Clipper Race, which was founded by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in 1968-69 is unique. It is the only event where people from all walks of life, regardless of previous sailing experience, can race around the world under sail.

Each of the fleet of 12 yachts is sponsored by a city, region or country around the world and each of the teams is led by a professional skipper. In the 2013-14 edition, 670 crew, including 34 per cent women, from over 40 nationalities, took part in the race from countries as widespread as Russia, Serbia, Norway, Peru, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Hungary, China and Singapore, in addition to the UK, forging cultural understanding and awareness to work together and build lifelong friendships.

More than 230 different professions were represented, from nurses to GP’s, pilots to farmers, film directors to surfing instructors, head teachers to students, and the whole range of occupations in between.

The Clipper Race is open to anyone over the age of 18 at the time the race starts, but there is no upper age limit.

Clipper Race recruiter and circumnavigator in the 2009-10 race, Della Parsons says: “I can’t wait to get out there and meet more people that want to be part of this unique challenge and join the elite group of ocean racers. More and more people are looking for something different these days, something extraordinary that will really push their limits and test the boundaries of what they thought they were capable of. It’s my job to make them aware that it’s here.”

More information about the race and how to RSVP to the event can be found on the Clipper Race website www.clipperroundtheworld.com.