Ipswich sailor Matt Pike has been chosen to skipper one of 10 vessels taking part in the forthcoming Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Pike, 40, is looking forward to being at the helm for the race which is due to last for 10 months.

"This is the absolute pinnacle of my career," said Pike, whose crew will feature people who have applied to take part in the 35,000 mile voyage.

The fleet will set sail from the mouth of the River Humber on 13 September.

Pike says the biggest challenge on the trip will be managing his fellow crew members who come from all walks of life.

"(There will be) 18 non-professional sailors on board, there's a lot of different characters in there and I'll be helping them get what they want out of the race, " he said.

The Clipper Round the World race claims to be the only global ocean race which allows sailors of any ability to take part.

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