A HAMPSHIRE yachtsman has been named as one of the elite skippers to lead a team of amateur sailors in Sir Robin Knox Johnston’s Clipper Round the World Race.

Pete Stirling, pictured, will take charge of one of ten 68ft racing yachts for the gruelling 14-leg, 35,000-mile circumnavigation which sets sail from the River Humber on September 13.

The 43-year-old from Titchfield, who was selected from hundreds of possible skippers, said: “ It’s the ultimate sailing challenge and the pinnacle of anybody’s yachting career so I feel really proud to be chosen.”