TWO sailors from Southend will take part in the world’s longest ocean race, which starts in their hometown on Monday.

Southend pier has been chosen for the launch of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which will see a fleet of vessels sail 40,000 miles before returning to England in July 2016.

Although the boats are skippered by professionals, ordinary people are invited to take part, with the requirement only to complete a training course.

Elliotte Ashcroft, 44, from Southend, admitted she gets seasick, but is taking part in the final two legs of the race, from Seattle to New York, then Northern Ireland to the Netherlands, before heading to London.

The property developer said: “I’m not a natural sailor – I get horrendously seasick.

“I’m just a regular housewife. I will miss my children terribly, but through each training level I have progressed, and although I’m nervous of what lies ahead, I’m ready for the challenge.

“I see the sea, drive along the seafront, see the local fishing boats every day of my life and to have something so amazing as this race start near my hometown, is totally exciting and to know tI am actually part of the race is overwhelming.”

Nearly half of the 700 crew, representing 44 nationalities, have never sailed before taking part in pre-race training.

Crew members can take on the full circumnavigation of the globe, or compete in one or more of eight individual legs.

Training prepares sailors for racing the 70-foot yachts.

Neil Hurrell, 55, a financial planner also from Southend, is taking part in three legs, from China to the |UK, via the United States.

Lib Dem Graham Longley, Southend councillor responsible r for tourism, said: “We are very honoured that the first leg of this amazing event will begin at Southend.

“It will put us even more firmly on the international map as the place which heralds the dawn of excitement, where big things start.”

To celebrate the race start on Monday, the council is providing free tea or coffee in the Pier cafe for every walk-and-ride or train return ticket.

Customers will just need to show their ticket receipts in the cafe for these to be stamped and exchanged.

For youngsters, there will be a hair braider and face painter. The race begins at 12.30pm.