TWO teenagers are in the running to win a place aboard a round the world yacht race thanks to a Dorset-based charity.

The unique prize, worth more than £10,000, was donated by Clipper Race founder and chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

The foundation was set up in memory of Olympic sailing gold medallist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson and is based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Charlie Stannard, 19, and Heather Thomas, 18, were shortlisted for the prize by Sir Robin and Sir Ben Ainslie, who helped set up the charity.

They will receive training at the Clipper Race HQ in Gosport, Hampshire, in March and, following assessment from their skipper, one of the youngsters will be selected to win the overall prize, including three further levels of race training and flights to and from the race.

The runner-up will also be given the chance to complete the full Clipper Race training.

Sir Robin, who became the first man to ever sail solo, non-stop around the world in 1968-69 said: “Congratulations to Charlie and Heather who both impressed us with their level of passion and dedication to sailing.

“On behalf of the Clipper Race, and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, we wish Charlie and Heather the best of success during the final selection process.”

Charlie, of Tower Hamlets, London, said: “Thank you to the Clipper Race and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to training with many interesting people from all over the world and to taking my sailing experience to the next level.”

Heather, from Otley in North Yorkshire, added: “I can hardly believe that I may have the possibility to sail across the Pacific and take part in such a prestigious event.

“I feel extremely honoured to have been given this opportunity by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.”

The Clipper 2015-16 Race starts in August and will be the 10th edition of one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, with 12 teams racing over 40,000 nautical miles taking in six continents.