IT’S one of the most challenging sporting events on the globe.

And the epic, round-the-world Clipper Race is now officially underway following a spectacular opening ceremony.

Dozens of Hampshire sailors, including Old Basing man Will Green, 50, of Cavalier Road, are among the 12 crews who will now battle to win the 11-month, 40,000-mile challenge that is the world’s longest ocean race.

The racing began in earnest on Monday when the teams set off on the 6,000-mile stage to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Tower Bridge in London provided the dramatic backdrop to Sunday’s launch.

The flotilla of yachts made their way down the River Thames and under the bridge, which was raised twice to salute all the crews.

The yachts were escorted down the Thames by a host of smaller vessels and RNLI craft after the official opening ceremony.

It took place minutes before at the international Race Village at St Katharine Docks.

Some crews had been to visit Number 10 Downing Street before the ceremony, which was opened by drummers performing up the masts of ships before Brazilian dancers, marking the crews’ first destination, took over the stage.

There are 25 people from Hampshire among the amateur crews that will take control of the yachts, with one professional sailor skippering each vessel.