A YACHTSMAN from York is looking forward to setting sail as skipper of a crew in a race around the Isle of Wight.

Trevor Hardaker and his seven-strong crew will be among some 16,000 sailors set to tackle the famous 50 nautical mile JP Morgan Asset Management Round The Island Race, later this month.

He said: “I think in common with most entries, we’re happy to get round without disgracing ourselves.

“It’s a great experience; it’s a great opportunity to press the boat a bit harder than we ordinarily would.”

Mr Hardaker, who has competed in the race a number of times previously, said the secret to success would be the discipline of his crew aboard the 40-foot Bavaria, Phizz of Caen.

He said: “If I can keep them out of the pub the night before, then that’s the secret to it.

“And hitting the start line at something like the right time.”

The Round The Island Race has become one of Britain’s biggest sporting participation events, attracting thousands of amateur sailors every year from families, groups of friends and colleagues.

This year’s event on June 30 is expected to attract more than 1,700 boats.

Mr Hardaker said: “It is quite literally a great leveller and you find the winner of the Roman Bowl is not necessarily one of the great big millionaire boats. It’s a much smaller entry that normally carries away the honours, which is nice.”