An historic transatlantic race which sets off from a Westcountry port will be helping to raise funds for a special needs school which is aiming to raise ?1.8 million to improve its standard of care.
This year's Original Single-Handed Transatlantic Race - named The Faraday Mill OSTAR for short - starts from Plymouth on May 29 and ends in Newport, Rhode Island, USA.
The massive event attracts competitors from across the globe, and is expected to be as big a success this year as on previous occasions.
The prestigious international event has selected the Ivybridge-based Dame Hannah Rogers School as its official charity for this year.
The school has launched a ?1.8 million Help Our New Wing Take Off Appeal.
Staff at the school, which raises all its own funds, plan to build a new wing and improve facilities, including ensuring that each residential pupil has his or her own bedroom and en-suite bathroom.
The Western Morning News backed the school's appeal with a series of stories and features helping to raise its profile and it is hoped the transatlantic race will help raise even more cash.
Diane Hockin, deputy chairman of London & Westcountry Estates which is sponsoring the race and announced the school as the charity for the year, is also appeals and marketing chairman at the school.
She said: "The Dame Hannah Rogers School is a charity I have worked closely with for some months and am delighted that it has been chosen to be the official charity for The Faraday Mill OSTAR.
"Dame Hannah, which already offers a variety of support to the children here, still needs help. Many local companies are generously giving their time and materials to this project, however we still need to raise ?1.8 million.
"Hopefully, the support from the OSTAR will play a vital part in the future of our school to help those less fortunate than ourselves."
Jackie Carter, business development officer at the school, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen as the sponsor's nominated charity.
"This is a huge event for Dame Hannah Rogers School and will give a tremendous boost to our current appeal Help Our New Wing Take Off."
The transatlantic race, which is usually held every four years, has become a permanent fixture in the ocean racing calendar. The 2005 race is the 12th fixture in 45 years and is the first year the race has been held since 2000.
The first race took place in 1960 and was won by Sir Francis Chichester.
This year, as ever, sailors face a tough journey as they race single-handed across the Atlantic in what is described as the Formula One equivalent of ocean yachting.

For more information on the school's appeal, or to make a donation, e-mail appeals-dhrs@lineone.net or call 01752 898105.