ACCOUNTANT Ross Dixon is taking a break from the world of finance and preparing to embark on the trip of a lifetime.

The 22-year-old, from Copmanthorpe, near York, is to become a crew member of one of the entries in the Around The World Yacht Race.

He flew out to Mauritius at the weekend to join 14 other crew members for the final two legs of the Clipper 2002 race.

He will help to sail a 60ft ocean yacht 12,000 miles, covering Cape Town, Salvador, New York, Jersey and Plymouth.

Mr Dixon, who first began sailing in the Sea Cadets, raised most of the £12,000 needed for the trip himself, with the help of local sponsors.

As he prepared for a gruelling five months away from home, said: "I'm excited, but reasonably apprehensive.

"I don't know if I'll get homesick. I'm hoping I won't have enough time to think about things like that. I just want to have a good send-off before I go."

Clipper 2002 left Albert Dock, Liverpool, in October last year. It will return in September.