Whanganui women races in world sailing event

Alexandra Hare in front of the 70 foot yacht she will crew on at the Clipper Round the World race. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

Emma Russell continues her series charting the stories of former Whanganui students who have gone on to success in the big, wide world

Alexandra Hare has three rules "stay on the boat, look after your mates and don't die."

The 33 year old, who was born in South-Taranaki and attended St George's primary school in Whanganui, has entered in this year's Clipper Round the World sailing race.

Ms Hare will travel to London in July for her last leg of training and soon after hop-a-board a 70 foot yacht with 19 other crew members - and race across the Atlantic Ocean.

It was less than two years ago Ms Hare decided to "give sailing a crack". She had just moved to Wellington after spending six years living overseas.

"I didn't know many people in the area. Wellington had wind and a harbour so sailing seemed like the logical sport to get involved in and meet people."

The qualified environmental scientist, now a business manager, said she has always pushed herself but wanted to challenge herself in a different way.

"The race is a massive test of psychological resilience. Living in a confined space with 19 others and constantly being hungry, tiered, wet and cold will be the biggest challenge for me."

Ms Hare said she applied for one leg of the race but had no expectations of even qualifying to get in.

The Clipper race, now on its 11th edition, has been divided into eight legs. Applicants choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select individual legs.

"I signed up for one leg but about two weeks ago, after my first training session in Sydney, I decided I would race two legs to complete the entire Atlantic Ocean," she said.

Ms Hare has entered in the first two legs. Starting in London her crew will first race to Rio de Janeiro which is estimated to take 33 days. From there, they will depart Rio de Janeiro and sail to Cape Town which will take around 20 days.

The Clipper race aims to raise awareness for leading children's organisation, UNICEF. The annual event was pioneered by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world.