SAILING for 18 days half-way across the world in a yacht is a journey many would never contemplate making.

And it is one journey Peter O'Sullivan's wife, Mary, wishes her husband would not make.

But father-of-three Mr O'Sullivan is to sail the Atlantic in his 40ft craft along with three seafaring pals in what he describes as his "lifetime dream."

The 2,800-mile journey will see the 48-year-old, from Heaton, on an adventure with David Warburton, aged 52, from Horwich, and Barrow Bridge couple Graham and Joy Hughes, both 62.

The four have been planning the trip for four years and will complete the journey as part of a race -- called the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers -- with 225 other yachts, all going from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney Bay, St Lucia.

They have already completed two 1,000-mile trips from Cork, Ireland, to Lagos, Portugal, and from Gibraltar to the Canaries. Peter said the date of the trip -- from November 21 -- is well-timed since it will avoid the tropical storms. Temperatures will be around 25C since they are heading south from Gran Canaria.

Mr O'Sullivan, whose children, James, 19, Faye, 17 and Jack, 11, are also keen sailors, said: "My wife views the trip with some trepidation and being away for three to four weeks is an issue. But she's fully supportive and she knows we're capable of making the crossing safely.

"It's something I've always wanted to do in my 15 years of sailing. Graham and Joy have 25 years experience so we know what we're doing.

"Having said that, it's the biggest challenge we've ever taken. It's as big as they come."

He said the trip would be difficult to predict but hopes the planning will stand them in good stead. His boat is a French-built Jeanneau -- which the crew have named Wing And A Prayer.

It is usually berthed in North Wales from where Peter sails almost every weekend. He also takes part in two regattas each year in Cork. For the trip across the Atlantic, Mr O'Sullivan and his crew has gone on a sea survival course which equips them to deal with crisises, such as injuries.

The annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers is open to owners of monohulls and catamarrans. It was conceived as a friendly race and all yachts carry a range of safety equipment including a liferaft and radio.

SEAFARING PALS: Graham Hughes, left, David Warburton, centre, and Peter O'Sullivan