A north London woman is sailing a yacht to Australia, despite having only three weeks’ experience at sea.

Jo Fishburn is taking part in the Clipper Round the World challenge to raise money for a breast cancer charity.

The 33-year-old advertising executive admitted to feeling “excited but nowhere near ready” for the race that embarked from London on Sunday and will see 12 clipper yachts sail around the world over 11 months. She will complete the first part of the race to Sydney.

Ms Fishburn, who will be part of a 21-strong crew, said her training over the past 18 months had been “pretty hardcore” but only a minimal period had been spent actually sailing.

Despite that, her main worry was how the crew would get along together. “I don’t know them that well and it’s a bit of an unknown at the moment how we’ll bond,” she said. She also admitted that sea sickness might be an issue. “When you’re faced with 70-foot waves, I think everyone will be throwing up,” she said.

Ms Fishburn has already raised £4,000 for the Breast Cancer Campaign charity. “The cause is close to my heart,” she said. “After watching my mother survive the disease three times, I thought it was time to get off the sidelines and do something.”