Setting off to take on mighty Atlantic

journey will also raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland in memory of her late mum Janice, and it has attracted backing from various sponsors, including Perthshire’s Moncreiffe Care Home.

Moncreiffe’s John Bryden said: “We are delighted to support Elaine’s venture because it is for such a great cause. Our residents met Elaine earlier in the year on National Care Home Day and they plan to follow her progress on the race website over the next few weeks.

“Elaine impressed me from our first meeting and she is determined to achieve her goals.

“She is chasing a dream and has worked so hard to get to this stage. Now it is all systems go for this remarkable challenge and we wish her luck.”

Speaking just before the start of the race, Elaine said she was focused on the challenge in hand. She said: “I have a communications satellite phone but I will be out of touch on the boat and will be focused on the job at hand. I don’t have family coming across to see me off because I felt that would be a distraction.”

Elaine will be spending Christmas alone, 11 days into a voyage of up to 70 days, but she has permitted herself some treats, and plans to grow an avocado tree during the voyage.

She said: “I have packed away some Christmas cake and I will have a dram to mark the occasion. There is definitely a bottle of Talisker going on the boat!”