First Time at Sea for Bermudan Mum

A Bermudan mum of four is set to sail the Atlantic even though she has never set foot on a boat before, let alone sailed off-shore. Lotiqua Phillips, 28, who is currently doing an apprenticeship to become a welder to achieve her dreams of making garden furniture and items, heard a presentation about the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge and immediately knew it was something she had to do.

"I know it sounds crazy that I live on this tiny island of Bermuda but I have never been on a boat! As soon as I heard about this wonderful event, I literally jumped at the chance to take part, especially when I heard I could go to Tenerife and then sail to Bermuda from there," says Lotiqua.

"We do not see many different nationalities here in Bermuda, let alone have a chance to interact with them, so it will be extremely interesting to sail on a ship across the ocean with people from different countries," continues Lotiqua. "I am trying to do everything that comes my way if feasibly possibule and I have a real gut feeling that this is the right thing for me to do. I think every human should try something like this at least once in their life because you never know what may come out of it."

Lotiqua's four children, aged three, seven, eight and 11 will be looked after by her mother while she is away. "My mum is fully beyhind me and is just as excited bout it as I am," says Lotiqua. "It will be amazing to sail into Hamilton at the end of the race and have my family there to greet meet. I know I will feel very proud."