A HAMPSHIRE sailor has launched a campaign to take on one of the most gruelling yacht races in the world.

Lymington yachtsman Dan Dytch aims to fulfil a lifelong dream to compete in the Mini Transat, a 3,000-mile singehanded race sailed in yachts just 21ft long.

The 27-year-old is hoping the race, from France to Brazil, will allow him to follow in the footsteps of Hampshire ocean racing icons like Mike Golding, Sam Davies and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

Dan, who started sailing aged six, saved up enough money to buy himself a Mini 6.50 yacht called Night Fever – and now has his sights set on glory.

He said: “I started off sailing dinghies as a kid and as I got older I moved onto yachts.

“After doing a couple of seasons of offshore racing I made the decision to start sailing professionally.

“I moved to the Mediterranean to work as a boat builder and ended up sailing and racing onboard a 100ft superyacht.

“That took me all over the world, working with some of the world’s best sailors.

“As much as I enjoy sailing with a crew, my main reason for wanting to be a solo sailor is that I want to be in control of every part of the boat, not just one section.

“I like the fact that everything comes down to me, how hard I work, how hard I push myself and my ability as a sailor.

“I don’t see the 2011 Transat so much as a one-off but more as a stepping stone to bigger things.

“I want to make this my life and plan to do it for a long time.

“I really want to race round the world in a high profile race like the Vendée Globe and I also have aspirations to race to regions that are not sailed as regularly by traditional races.”

Following a winter refit of Night Fever, Dan’s schedule for this year includes a 2,500-mile race to the Azores and back from Les Sables d’Olonne in France in preparation for the Mini Transat in 2011.

Dan is now on the hunt for sponsors to back his campaign.

“I can offer sponsors a opportunity to be involved in an English campaign in a predominantly French and European market as well as the chance to be involved in a hard work campaign that I have started from scratch and plan to work as hard for a long time,” he added.

• If you are interested in sponsoring Dan’s campaign contact him on ddsailing@hotmail.com or visit his website nightfeverminitransat.

blogspot.com.