Emma and Miranda reveal all

Amer Sports Too's new recruits are eager and apprehensive about setting sail in the Volvo Ocean Race

Emma Richards:

"Lisa just called up and asked if I fancied sailing round the Southern Ocean and I could say yes immediately. I had been thinking about it for a while. Lisa had asked us in the summer when she first found the sponsorship, but both Miranda and I were taking part in the Transat Jacques Vabre so it wasn't possible then. We were already set up, we both have our own sponsors and this is our rest period between our next events with our other sponsors so what better to do that go sailing in the southern Ocean.

"We are looking forward to the challenge. We have been down there before [Southern Ocean], so we might have a little experience to bring to the other girls. My forte is steering - I like steering in heavy winds. It is just going to be a case of getting used to this boat before we go down there.

"I know the girls that were on Royal & SunAlliance, both Miranda and Emma (Westmacott) I know well. Miranda and I have spent the last three years doing double-handed races and crewed races with. Anna Drougge was my skipper at the beginning of 2001 on the 60ft trimaran and so I know her very well and various others I have met at other times, so I am really looking forward to it. I know it is a strong team and it is a privilege to be part of it.

"I think it can be taken that pressure will be handed to you. Everyone on the race at some point will be criticised. I think it is something you face when you take part in something that is in the public eye. You put yourself under your own pressure, but as long as you are aware of it and it is there and you know you are going to get a few digs, it is just part of life really.

"The boats look fantastic, they look grand prix. I am feeling really ready to go actually."

The speed of the Volvo Ocean 60 shouldn't present too much of a problem for Emma. This 60ft trimaran was the last boat she sailed...