A NORTH-EAST student is taking part in the Round Britain Challenge yacht race.
Ben East, 21, is spending his Easter holiday from Durham University competing in the race, which covers almost 2,000 miles.
A fleet of eight 72ft yachts left Southampton on Saturday and will race around Britain and Ireland.
The identical yachts are sailed by volunteers, alongside a professional skipper and first mate.
Mr East, who studies music and theology, started sailing when he was eight, and now competes for the university.
He said: "I first got interested in the challenge when I was given the opportunity to do a 24-hour South Coast Sprint, and I have been hooked on big boats ever since.
"Doing the Round Britain Challenge is an opportunity I would not miss for anything."
The race is expected to finish between next Monday and Thursday.
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