No experience needed as crew sought to sail the world

The world’s longest ocean race, a tough and thrilling 40,000-mile challenge, is on the hunt for Irish crew, and the best part — no experience is required.

Understandable, then, that the organisers are confident they won’t have to resort to a press-gang, opting instead for a series of recruitment events.

Among those with no sea-legs in the 2013-14 edition was 40-year-old Meath garda Conor O’Byrne, who circumnavigated the globe on the DerryLondonderryDoire yacht, spending more than 11 months at sea.