The entry list for the next Around Alone Race starting from Rhode Island later this year reveals a star-studded field in single handed racing though, as yet, not one British sailor has confirmed their participation.

New organisers Clipper Ventures are anxious to add a British entry to the list of 19 skippers from 11 nations, to reflect the growing importance of Britain in solo offshore racing and remain hopeful that a contender will come forward.

"Over the next couple of weeks, we anticipate there might be additions to the entry list since one or two are still clarifying their sponsorship plans," a Clipper spokesman said.

Southampton's Mike Golding is one competitor believed to be interested in completing unfinished business after his frustrating experience in the last Around Alone race four years ago when he ran aground on a sand bank off the coast of New Zealand while leading the race.

But, after recently returning home from his honeymoon in South Africa, Golding has still to announce his new sponsorship arrangements following the end of his ten-year deal with Group 4.

Mike Golding said: "I would love to have done the Around Alone again but our plans for the next few years are heading in another direction and I had to decide this year whether to do this race or the Route du Rhum.

"We did not have the level of support that we needed to do the Around Alone because it's very expensive and I think that is something that a lot of other British contenders have found."

If his sponsorship deal permits, Golding will be lining up against some arch rivals including Marc Thiercelin and Thierry Dubois from France and Bernard Stamm of Switzerland who will compete in his transatlantic record-holding yacht Bobst Group-Armor Lux in Class 1.

Challenging this European dominance are the all-American Open 60 Ocean Planet, skippered by American Bruce Schwab and a Kiwi entry from Graham Dalton, brother of Grant, who will race in a new Open 60 designed by Hamble yacht designer Merfyn Owen.

In Class II for Open 50s and 40s, Around Alone veteran Brad Van Liew from America will be leading his fellow countrymen against Eastern opposition from Russian Viktor Yazykov and Kojiro Shiraishi of Japan.