SAILOR Paul Covell, the oldest crew member taking part in a global challenge, was at the naming ceremony of the yacht in which he will sail round the world.

Sailing star Ellen MacArthur, the youngest skipper to win the prestigious Europe1 New Man single-handed transatlantic race, named the 72ft yacht on Saturday in Southampton.

The yacht was named KeepUdated.com after its sponsor company. Father-of-three Mr Covell, 61, said it was fantastic to have such an inspirational figure at the ceremony.

Mr Covell, a member of Gerrards Cross Sailing Association, has been in training for the gruelling 30,000 mile BT Global Challenge taking place next month.

There are 12 identical yachts in the race which will start from Southampton and call at Boston, Buenos Aires, Wellington, Sydney and Cape Town.

He said: 'The challenge is getting near and panic is beginning to set in, but I am quite excited. I have been out on practice race for nine days where we have to endure the same conditions including the pretty disgusting freeze-dried food.'

Despite his age, Mr Covell, a former Merchant Navy man who crossed the North Atlantic in his teens, is desperate to return to sea.

He said: 'This is something that I have always wanted to do and now I have the chance.'

Mr Covell, of Birkett Way, Chalfont St Giles, is in the Phillips team which has a crew of 18 including a professional skipper.