Have-a-go reporter Rebecca Camber spent an exhilarating month at sea as part of a 14-strong yachting team in a round-the-world race.

She's back home safely now, leaving the Bristol Clipper and its crew to start the second leg of its 11-month voyage - from Cuba to Hawaii via Panama and the Galapagos Islands.

But now back in rainy Bristol, suffering an English winter rather than carrying out her duties aboard in flip-flops and shorts, she said: "I'm just waiting for someone to ask me what I did on holiday this year.

"I've already planned the slick and smug reply - Actually I sailed across the Atlantic as part of a round-the-world yacht race - which I imagine will prompt an awed hush.

"After sailing more than 4,700 miles across the Atlantic, braving the elements for a month, I feel quite proud of myself.

"And why not? How many people can boast of being a transatlantic sailor and an ocean racer in the bargain?

"It was truly an unforgettable experience and I have enough stories and memories that will keep my grandchildren going for years.

"And if someone asked me whether I'd join the Bristol Clipper again, I'd have to pause to think seriously about leaving everything behind.

"But only for a second before I gave my answer - yes!"

Half way through the race Rebecca was desperate to get on dry land, feeling in need of a proper bed, bath, shower and a refreshing cold drink.

But she soon started to long for the high seas again - not just for the sailing but more the unique camaraderie that they all shared.

She said: "Those 13 people became my family during that race. I knew what made them smile, cry, laugh and I trusted every one of them with my life.

"It was a unique experience being completely cut off from society and living within the confines of a 60ft by 46ft space.

"Everyone told me I'd have the time of my life and now I can finally admit that they were right."

But that's not to say her leg of the voyage was without some "pretty awful" moments.

Rebecca was thrashed about in a ferocious storm, battered against the guard rail and clinging on for her life.

She was also in the galley when the boat was heaved over and unfortunately also scalded a friend during her first galley wench duty.

But the storms were matched by fine weather and sailing with the wind behind them - and as she said: "Life couldn't have got better".

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