Clemency Williams, the 24-year-old, Hamble-based sailor who hopes to compete in the Mini Transat 2005 with the backing of Boating Partners, has just taken delivery of her new yacht. She’s managed to secure 1999-built, Simon Rogers-designed Transat 6.50 – sistership to Jonathan McKee’s boat – see McKee news story here , and hopes to be on the water soon to commence here all-important training.

In the meantime Williams hopes to step a new rig and prepare her for her Mini Transat qualifier. This involves completing a 1,000-mile qualifying event during April. She also hopes to compete in three races during the early summer – the Select 650, Mini Cup and Mini Fastnet.

If Williams succeeds in qualifying, securing an entry and gaining sufficient sponsorship to fund the campaign, she would become one of the few British females to compete in the race.