A YORK woman is getting ready for the challenge of a lifetime after being accepted as a crew member for the Global Challenge Yacht Race next year.

Goldie Raley, 33, of Escrick, a teacher at Pocklington School, is set to board one of the craft competing in the ten-month round-the-world trip - known as the world's toughest yacht race.

But first the novice sailor must raise almost £27,000.

Goldie, who teaches geography, environmental sciences and PE, said she has almost completed the gruelling training, and is beginning her fundraising this summer when she is sponsored to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Five per cent of the money she raises will go to Save The Children.

Goldie is tackling a coast-to-coast cycle ride in order to train for the bigger cycling event in the summer.

She said: "The crews are made up of 17 volunteers and one professional skipper.

"You go around the world the wrong way, against the prevailing winds, that's why it's called the world's toughest yacht race.

"This goes far beyond anything I have done before. I have been on Operation Raleigh and other expeditions, but they pale into insignificance."

The race, formerly known as the BT Global Challenge, will see Goldie crew a 72ft yacht and set sail from Southampton in September 2004.

The yachts will visit Boston, Buenos Aires, Cape Horn, Wellington, Sydney, Cape Town, La Rochelle and back to Southampton in July 2005.

Goldie said: "To go around the world is one thing, but to do so under your own steam, sailing in a yacht, is something else.

"Just seeing all these places and making it round will be the most amazing feeling."

Pupils at Pocklington School were keen to get in on the act, Goldie said, by keeping in contact with the teacher throughout the challenge through email and plotting her position on a web page.

But Goldie's first challenge will be this week's four-day coast to coast cycle, during which she will be accompanied by her friend, Val French.

To sponsor Goldie or find out more information about her challenge phone her on 01904 728939.

Updated: 10:20 Wednesday, May 28, 2003