A COMPANY director on an adventure of a lifetime has nearly finished his 2,311 mile yacht race to Brazil.

Paul Westhead, 36, from Chorley will step back on dry land in the next few days after his six week stint in the Times Clipper 2000 Round the World Yacht Race.

The contest gives amateur sailors the chance to act out their wildest dreams as they compete against other clipper yachts from across the country.

Paul had to apply to be part of the crew, pass a selection panel, take an extensive training programme, and then pay £6,500 for the privilege.

His 60 foot ocean going yacht is named the Liverpool Clipper while his competitors are the Bristol, Glasgow, Jersey, Leeds, London, Portsmouth and Plymouth Clippers.

There are six legs on the 11 month race, and Paul is a member of the crew for the leg from Mauritius to Salvador in Brazil via Cape Town in South Africa.

A trained sea captain is in charge of the yacht, but the rest of the crew are amateurs like Paul.

The Liverpool Clipper was today in fifth place with 61 points, 18 behind the leader, Jersey Clipper.