Sydney grandmother's world record attempt

The ambitious pensioner will take part in the Clipper 2007-08 Round the World Yacht Race held over 35,000 miles, crossing five oceans and taking on the elements in the only yacht race for non-professional sailors.

"I'm really looking forward to the achievement of sailing under race conditions around the globe," said Simpson.

"I hope that by being the oldest woman to do this, I will be an example to other women, and older people, of what can be achieved and how amazing that is!" she said.

Simpson was worried she would be too old to take part but was reassured there is no upper age limit and all she needed to do was to be fit and healthy, and have a thirst for adventure.

"I really can't wait to get at it! I would love to start tomorrow," said Simpson.

She is also having regular training sessions on Bondi Beach in order to get as fit as she can for the race start from Liverpool, UK on September 16 this year.

Despite her love of the ocean, Simpson found that work and raising a family prevented her from taking her affinity with the sea one step further by learning to sail.

"It opens a whole new path to me. I can go on sailing the rest of my life!" she said.

Having no previous sailing experience will not prevent Simpson from competing. She will undergo the comprehensive Clipper Training course undertaken by all crew and designed to turn novice sailors into competent ocean racers.

Presently, Simpson has to find the money to do the circumnavigation but is confident of getting a sponsor.

"Any additional funds I raise I'm going to donate to cancer research. I have a dear friend in LA who is fighting it at the moment and I lost my mother to it," said Simpson.

The race is split into seven legs so crew can do either the full circumnavigation like Simpson or individual legs.

For information on applying to become a race crew member, contact David Cusworth by email: dcusworth@clipper-ventures.com

For further information, visit www.clipper-ventures.com/0708