A LOCAL businesswoman is off round the world - in a yacht. (From Warrington Guardian)

A LOCAL businesswoman is off round the world - in a yacht.

Victoria Allen, of Chester Road, Mere, has been chosen to take part in the Millennium Round The World Yacht Race.

"I had made no plans for the New Year and I thought this would be exciting because we are going to some great places," said Victoria, 39.

She will join her 11 crewmen in March for the race, which will include stops in the Canaries, St Lucia, the Maldives and Sydney.

For now, though, they are making waves at a Portsmouth naval base as they prepare for the launch.

Speaking from on board the The Spirit of Diana, Victoria said there had been great interest in the crew's activities.

"We're causing quite a stir at the moment and there are a lot of people watching us practising," she said.

Victoria secured her place on the team after successfully completing a selection weekend.

She will spend 11 months at sea.

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