Esha Mehta, daughter of Sonali and Chetan Prabodh Mehta from Antwerp is participating in this year’s Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the longest sailing race in the world for amateurs. She has been selected as part of Team Olivier, one of the 12 teams (with a total of 600 participants) in the event. The race begins from London on August 30, 2015, and over the year will take Esha through South America, South Africa, Australia, Asia and America.

Born in Antwerp, Esha spent her childhood years in both Israel and Antwerp. She studied in the Antwerp International School and then at University of Reading, UK, from where she has just completed a degree in Biomedical Science. Esha is keen to continue studies once she returns from her year long trip.

At a young age, Esha developed a love for water and sports, and attended various camps for surfing and swimming. She holds an advanced diver license from PADI and is also a qualified lifeguard.  Having undergone a gruelling 4-week training comprising sailing skills, teamwork, boat safety and navigation techniques, she is now a fully qualified sailor.

She is also raising money through this adventure for UNICEF that will go to the children of Nepal.

The event consists of 13 individual races from city to city spanning over 11 months. Participants cover a record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. It is described as “one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other”.

Speaking about the race, Esha said, “I love the water and I can’t think of a better way to see the world. It’s a challenge of a lifetime. I know that if I miss this chance I’ll regret it. Plus it’s one year. A year is a long time but at the same time it’s nothing.”

She also said that she is “looking forward to learning a million new things, meeting people I would never normally encounter and coming back a better, stronger person I imagine”.

Esha added, “Before the race I will now be spending a lot of time with my family and friends, training, trying to getting my fitness up, and will be learning to bake bread. It’s getting close now. Can’t wait!”

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