It is an event that will pit her against some of the most challenging conditions anywhere in the world. But Sandra Squire is more than confident she is up to the test.

Eastern Daily Press: Sandra Squire, a West Norfolk councillor, is training for the next Clipper Round the World Race.Sandra Squire, a West Norfolk councillor, is training for the next Clipper Round the World Race. (Image: Archant)

The 42-year-old has signed up for the Clipper Round the World Race where she will join a team of amateur sailors with varying experience.

She herself only started sailing two years ago and moors her own boat at Wells – but it isn't quite the same as the 70-foot ocean racing yacht used in the race.

At Easter, she completed her first round of training on the Solent during Storm Katie.

Mrs Squire, from Outwell, said: 'A lot of Clipper Crew have never sailed before their training, so in that respect I'm quite lucky in that I know my way round a boat.

Eastern Daily Press: Cllr Sandra Squire is taking part in 6 week leg on a round the world yacth race, raising money for two West Norfolk Charities that help her two autistic sons. Pictured with her is son Michael. Picture: Matthew Usher.Cllr Sandra Squire is taking part in 6 week leg on a round the world yacth race, raising money for two West Norfolk Charities that help her two autistic sons. Pictured with her is son Michael. Picture: Matthew Usher. (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2016)

'But an ocean racing yacht is a world of difference from the small dinghy I am used to in Wells.'

She has signed up for the final leg 2018-2019 edition of the race. It will involve 24 days at sea and sailing 3,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic.

The route has yet to be finalised, but will start in North America with stops in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands before heading back to the UK for the finish.

Altogether, the race is over 40,000 miles and takes 11 months to complete and includes a fleet of 12 sailing yachts.

Mrs Squire is also the opportunity to raise funds for four Norfolk causes that help support her family, including her two autistic sons.

These are the Friends of Magdalen School, the West Norfolk National Autistic Society, the West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled and the Wells Lifeboat Appeal.

• Sponsor Sandra Squire at www.sandrasquire.com/fundraising

• Are you training for an exciting challenge ahead? Email louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk