Squalls, flying cutlery and 'ghost dolphins' - Leeds mum's adventures at sea

Novice sailor Theresia Cadwallader is taking part in the fifth leg of the Clipper Round the World Race, which is billed as one of the biggest challenges of the natural world and an endurance test like no other.

A jeweller and former civil engineer, 60-year-old Theresia was inspired to take part in the yacht race by her son's love of sailing and the care he received when he suffered a very severe traumatic brain injury in Leeds in 2010.

She hopes the experience will not only help her to support her son in sailing once again but also raise £30,000 for hospital charity Leeds Cares to fund an ultrasound system for cranial monitoring on Leeds General Infirmary's Ward L6.

Speaking to the YEP from the Philippines, Theresia said: "The biggest challenge so far was coping with the extreme heat, about 48c below deck, maybe slightly less on deck if there was slight breeze.

"We went to sleep drenched, we woke up drenched, on deck drenched and had to do physical work on deck in the heat - that was really hard.

"When we went through a squall, we got drenched from the rain on deck. It felt so good and within half hour or so we were dry again."

Being on 'Mother Watch', when two crew members stay below deck all day to serve and cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for the 20-strong crew, can also be tough.

"If you are not used to it, it can induce seasickness," Theresia said. "When not sailing I love cooking, but staying in the galley all day is hard work.

"The thought that I’m feeding my crew mates is what keeping me going."

Theresia joined the crew of Team Dare to Lead, headed up by Leeds-born skipper Guy Waites, as they set sail from eastern Australia on January 20.