THE quay at Ocean Village in Southampton was packed with families saying goodbye to their loved ones on Saturday as the eight boats in the Round Britain Challenge set off on their adventure.

The former BT Global Challenge 72 feet racing yachts are mainly crewed by sailing novices who have put in two weeks intensive training as preparation.

The bright sun of the previous few days had vanished to be replaced by a blustery wind that raised the possibility of the course's 10 day record being shattered.

After the start in Cowes Bay, the yachts head along the south coast, swing round the famous Fastnet Rock on the south coast of Ireland, swing up beyond the Shetlands and then down the east coast of the UK before returning triumphantly to Southampton Water.

Leading them off in a shower of confetti was Southampton's own boat the Spirit of Southampton which, despite the unfortunate initials SOS, had a crew from across the country in high spirits.

Skipper James Allen, 28, was forecasting a sprint start from Cowes bay.

"It's very windy, it's 30-40 knots of wind out there so it is going to be a fast start. I'm a bit apprehensive but I'm looking forward to the open water."

One of SOS's 16 crew, Kevin Snell, 40, pictured left, a father of three from Whitchurch, said: "There are many emotions - leaving my family and anticipation of what we have got to do out there.

"It says 'leading the south' on the side of the boat and that is what we are going to do."

And there were mixed feelings on the quayside too. Jane Bryn-Jacobsen, mother of SOS 33-year-old crewmember Heidy, said: "I am a little bit apprehensive for her but I think she's fantastic for taking on such a challenge."

Southampton electrical engineer Nigel Edwards, 42, of Crow-ther Close, Sholing, pictured right, was setting sail on the Daily Telegraph boat.

He said: "I have done some sailing before but this is a certainly a challenge. I am excited now that the waiting is over and it is a tremendous atmosphere."

The race was also promising to be a challenge for sailing newcomer Richard Mawson, better known as the chief executive of Hampshire Ambulance Service.

"It is just a little different from the day job," quipped the 45-year-old, currently a crewman on Team Spirit.

"I am very excited. I have only done a little sailing but this is completely different ball game.

"It's a good crew and a good boat and I am keen to get started," he added.

The inaugural race celebrates the 25th anniversary of legendary yachtsman Chay Blyth's two-handed Round Britain and Ireland race in Great Britain IV.