FRIENDS and family of an Oxford man will be wishing him bon voyage as he sets off this September on a round the world yacht race.

Nicholas Mullineux, 26, of Wentworth Road, North Oxford, will be taking part in the Clipper 2007-08 race aboard a 68-foot racing yacht.

Mr Mullineux, who said he has always dreamt of sailing around the world, will be setting of from Liverpool on September 16 for his 35,000 mile adventure.

He said: "I'm really excited about taking on this challenge.

"I can't wait to be bashing through monstrous waves and enjoying the thrill of a big swell.

"I used to sail when I was at school, but that was ten years ago.

"Sailing on big boats like this is a vastly different experience."

The race will take about ten months to complete and covers five continents but Mr Mullineux said the hardest part of the race will be leaving behind his fiancee Phillipa and his family.

He said: "Phillipa plans to come and see me in Freemantle, Western Australia, where we will spend Christmas together. I hope she makes it out to some of my other port stopovers too."

Before he heads off Mr Mullineux will have to take part in a four-week training camp, where all participants in the race will get put through their paces.

No previous sailing experience is required to participate in the race so the training camp is designed to cater for those that have never even stepped on a boat.

In total there will be 10 boats taking part, each boat manned by 17 amateurs and one professional sailor.

Established 11 years ago by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the Clipper round the world yacht race was designed to offer people the chance to participate in an activity that is typically only enjoyed by the privileged or professional.

Sir Knox-Johnston said: "Nicholas will be joining more than 1,400 people who have made the race a turning point in their lives.

"We want people to finish the race thinking that it's the best thing they have ever done."

The race is divided into seven separate legs and it offers those taking part the opportunity to do as much or as little as they like.

Mr Mullineux has decided to do the full round the world trip, but is hoping that there will not be too many delays along the way.

He said: "The boats better not be delayed in getting back to Liverpool as I'm due to be getting married in August."