Clipper Race

Ken Hordon from Hull will be climbing aboard the Hull and Humber Clipper 68 yacht after winning a berth in a competiton run by Look North for a six-week stint during a round-the-world race which will see him travelling half way across the world to take part.

As part of the competition, viewers were asked to write in and say why they'd like to be considered.

Ken who's semi-retired, and who up until recently was running a bar with his family in Mallorca, is now back in the city and working as a volunteer with Victim Support.

The prize came as a total surprise to Ken as it was his sister Sandra who'd nominated him for a place. Out of the blue Ken took a call from the BBC to say that he was amongst six finalists in the competition.

Ken said: "My sister came through looking quite shocked and said there was a call for me. Immediately I thought something serious had happened. However, I need't have worried as my concern turned to jubilation as I discovered I was one of the six finalists in the competition."

A few days later, Ken and the other finalists were brought together to be assessed to see if they had the necessary abilities to take part in this prestigious event.

Last day of assessment

There was a rowing challenge, followed by an exercise in 'knotting'. A dip into the HOTA (Humberside Offshore Training Association) tank to see if the participants could cope with some of the adverse conditions they might encounter during their epic journey.

Ken said: "It was one of the most exhilarating experience in my life. We were totally unprepared and given little warning of what to expect. It was all of the part of the selection process." He added: "We started as six strangers in the morning, but were best of pals by the afternoon."

In April 2008, Ken will be making the trip to the west coast of the United States, to join 17 other crew members for the leg of the race which will take him from California down the coast, through the Panama canal, and then on to the Caribbean.

Ken is enjoying the attention taking part in the event has brought, and he's particularly looking forward the Wilberforce Race which will see the Hull and Humber clipper taking part along with the all of the other Clipper 68s that will be taking part in the round-the world-race. The race forms part of a special weekend of events and Ken is one of the VIPs who'll be invited to many of the events taking place and he's looking forward to seeing the craft which will be his home for nearly six weeks next year.