The Jules Verve idea, of sailing around the world in under 80 days, was originally conceived by French sailor Yves Le Cornec in 1985.

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They now plan on marrying in April, sailing around the world for their honeymoon before joining the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the world's largest transatlantic yachting event later in the year.

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The Vendee Globe race, seen as one of the ultimate challenges for offshore skippers, involves sailing around the world from west to east via the three major capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and the Horn.

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"My idea of retirement would be having a nice boat, sailing around the world and exploring and being able to relax and enjoy being on the water -- to just enjoy life without running around quite so hectically!"

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On board PANGAEA, Mike is leading the Young Explorers Program (YEP), an ongoing sailing expedition around the world that exposes teenagers to real-life, harsh environment adventures, while at the same time giving them a personal view and the ability to act on important environmental issues around our planet.

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Windbladh decided to celebrate by taking a sailing trip around the world during which he spent a bundle on long-distance and roaming charges.

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In more modern times, the Fastnet Race, a 615-mile dash from England to Ireland and back, brings some of the world's fastest sailing vessels hurtling around the rock each year.

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Participants are being sought from around the world to ensure there is a diverse mix in each sailing group.

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