A FORMER teacher has returned from an around the world sailing competition.

Julian Lowes, 62, from Westcliff, joined the World Clipper Race, which sees teams sail around the world, starting and ending from Liverpool and taking about 11 months.

He returned on Saturday July 28.

It has been a wish of Julian's for some time for him to take part in the race.

There were 11 yachts taking part and he was one of the crew on Qingdao.

He said: "It was tough doing the race.

"A few times I thought what am I doing.

"We lived out at sea for about 32 days. We sailed from China to Seattle and the winds were strong at about 14 force and it was a 70 foot boat with 19 other people and we won that race.

"When we got to Seattle we were greeted by a heroes welcome.

"The last race was about seven days around Ireland and it was emotional crossing the finish line.

"It was quite scary at some points of the race. I have been sailing for years and have my own boat and am starting a race team with my boat."

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.

His wife Maureen Lowes, 62, 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.

She said: "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.”

She and the rest of the family followed his progress during the race.

The race started in Liverpool on August 20 2017, but Julian waited until 18 January 2018 and leg five with it's Airlie Beach, Australian summer start and Chinese winter finish in Qingdao, 53 days and 6,300 nautical miles later.

Donate at: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/julianlowes4clipper.