A Southend-born sailor was today showing his grit by taking part in the world's most lucrative non-stop round-the-world yacht race.

If Tony Bullimore wins the 24,000-mile race, he will bag himself one million dollars in cash, the biggest-ever sailing race prize.

The race started on Saturday February 5 in Doha, the capital of the Gulf state of Qatar, and the participants are expected to be back in the Persian Gulf in late March/early April.

"I'm fit and ready to go," said Mr Bullimore just before the start.

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