A TEACHER has entered the latest leg of a sailing race around the world.

Julian Lowes, 60, from Westcliff, is taking part in the World Clipper Race, which sees teams sail around the world, starting and ending from Liverpool and taking about 11 months.

Mr Lowes, who has previously taught at Castle View School, Canvey and Shoeburyness High School decided to take on the adventure of a lifetime to mark his 60th birthday.

He is fundraising for a number of charities including the British Heart Foundation.

Julian joined the race in January in Australia and is due to arrive back in the UK in July.

Wife Maureen Lowes, 62, said the part of the race from China to the US was the most daunting and scariest part of the race.

“I have been following his progress and he is currently sailing from Seattle to Panama.

“They were in first place.

“Anything can change though due to the sea and weather conditions. There are 11 yachts taking part and he is one of the crew on Qingdao.

“All the weather systems were on their side and they steamed ahead of the other ten yachts.

“I joined Julian out in Seattle to take part in the celebrations which were on the scale of a heroes’ welcome after 27 days at sea.The guys were in good spirits but craved the simple pleasures in life such as a decent shower, a comfy bed and a hot dinner. I am so very proud of him, and know how much it means to him as he has wanted to do the race for about 14 years.” Donate at: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/julianlowes4clipper