Sail 4 Cancer Ambassador Phil Sharp is currently preparing for his next big venture – the Figaro Transat AG2R. Although this is one of the world’s most competitive offshore racing arenas, attracting the top ocean racing talent of today, Phil is the only Briton competing in this 3,700 mile race from Concarneau, France to St Barts in the Caribbean.

Phil has teamed up with David Krizek, one of the Czech Republic’s top offshore sailors, in this biennial double-handed transatlantic race. Raced in 30ft Beneteau Figaros, the class is the only current offshore one-design class in existence that enables sailors to compete in a big fleet of identical boats. This means any advantage gained during racing is down to the sailors alone. Phil will be up against a fleet dominated by the French and featuring some of the best short-hand sailors in the world.

Phil recently tasted success in the 2006 Route du Rhum solo transat race, taking victory in Class 40 and finishing nearly a whole day ahead of his rivals.

Keep up with his progress here