A COUNCILLOR is preparing to set sail across the Atlantic Ocean to fulfil a lifelong dream for charity.

Businessman and Oxford City Green councillor Craig Simmons will skipper a 56ft yacht with a crew and travel 2,800 nautical miles, around 5,200km, from the Gran Canaria to St Lucia in the Caribbean.

The crossing is expected to take 12 days from Sunday, November 24, until December 6.

Mr Simmons, 54, who represents St Mary’s Ward, said: “This journey will certainly test my fitness and endurance. My biggest concern is suffering from severe sea sickness. Despite having sailed extensively, I am not immune and if I am afflicted whilst crossing an ocean, there is no getting off. But it is all for a good cause.

“Safety is paramount. The crew includes several people who have crossed the Atlantic Ocean before and the boat will be thoroughly checked over before departure. There are a number of other boats crossing around the same time and we will attempt to maintain radio contact in case any of us gets into trouble.”

The weather with possible storms and rough waves is the most dangerous factor to face the crew during the challenge.

Mr Simmons is a Royal Yachting Association qualified skipper.

Some 4,000 to 5,000 sailors take on the challenge during what they call “Atlantic crossing season” over three months from November until January – after the summer’s sailing season in the Mediterranean and more importantly after hurricane season in America.

He is fundraising for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust set up by round-the-world sailor Ellen MacArthur, to help young people suffering from life threatening diseases.

Partner and fellow Green party councillor Elise Benjamin said: “He started sailing when he was 11 so he has been sailing for 43 years.

“He has sailed around chunks of Britain and we both sailed around the Bay of Biscay. I’m not really worried because he is sailing with a large group of about 200 boats and if there is a storm it is usually worse here than in deep sea.

“I would have liked to go but one of us has to stay and look after our 12-year-old daughter.”