SHE has survived nearly 24,000 miles in the world’s most treacherous conditions and taken part in a dramatic mid-sea rescue – now round-the-world yachtswoman Sam Davies is in line to become one of the most famous female sailors in the world.

The 33-year-old from Hamble looks set to stun the sailing world with a podium finish in the gruelling Vendée Globe race – in a yacht nearly nine years old.

Dame Ellen MacArthur shot to fame after coming second in the single-handed race in 2001, a fate that could await Davies on the finish line.

Currently in fourth, she looks set to capitalise on the misfortunes of second-placed Rolain Jourdain, who was hit with problems just 1,700 miles from the finish and forced to divert to the Azores.

If she can hold off her nearest rival, France’s Marc Guillemot, Davies will sail her way into the history books as one of the country’s best female sailors.

Setting off from the French port of Les Sables D’Olonne on November 9, the race has not been plain sailing for Davies, who is one of just 12 of the 30 starting skippers still in the race.

While many of her fellow competitors had new state-of-the-art yachts, Davies had to contend with her eight-year-old yacht Roxy.

It is a yacht with great pedigree – in 2001 current race leader Michel Desjoyeaux skippered it under the name PRB to victory while Vincent Riou sailed to glory in 2005.

Grabbing just a few hours’ sleep a day, Davies has piloted her boat through some of the roughest ocean conditions, including the treacherous Southern Ocean.

It was there that she put her race on hold to rescue Yann Elies, who was stranded on his yacht Generali for two days with a broken leg.

Davies then jumped straight back into the race with her trademark enthusiasm and has been battling for position ever since.

Speaking from Roxy last night, Davies said: “I have been savouring another magical moment.

“It’s unusual, as there is not much wind, and normally in the light winds I am frustrated not to be going faster.

“However tonight, I don’t know why, but I’m zen and just enjoying it – how can you not?”