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What will you be doing for the next three months?

Probably working or studying a bit, plenty of days off, a few parties, Christmas, New Year, good times with friends and family, maybe even a holiday.

There might be a hangover or two, some lie-ins, hopefully plenty of food and drink and a warm, dry house.

Well, for 30 of the world's best offshore sailors there won't be any of those luxuries. On Sunday, the fleet, including seven Britons, set off from Les Sables d'Olonnes in France to race around the world - non-stop and alone.

The ethos is the purest form of ocean racing. One sailor, one boat, one goal - first one back wins. No complicated points or rhythm-breaking stopovers.

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