A THRILLING race the wrong way around the world from east to west against prevailing winds and strong currents is set to raise adrenaline levels for two Herefordshire women.

Thirty-one year-old Sasha Peake, from Ledbury, and Lorraine Doody, 34, from Leominster, are training for the World's Toughest Yacht Race which will involve a nine-month sail around the world from September 2004.

Onboard each of the 12 identical 72' Global Challenge yachts will be 17 men and women from all walks of life including one skipper - the only professional sailors in the race.

A ten-day 'development sail' from Southampton gave the ladies a chance to see what the race will be like including freezing cold conditions with only freeze dried food to eat.

Training skipper, Alex Phillips said: "This development sail is probably one of the most important training sessions for the crew volunteers as it really puts them through their paces and starts preparing them to mentally and physically stand on their own two feet."

He added that the ladies were a real asset onboard and were team players.

After returning from her development sail, Sasha said: "This training sail has been absolutely fantastic, great fun, hard work and excellent tuition.

" I feel immeasurably more confident than I did before."

Lorraine added: "This was a really good sail and I am tired but exhilarated. The time spent at sea, along with the watch systems, was a good insight into life at sea."