As a teenager, Simon Hiscocks was captivated by solo sailors’ tales of derring-do on the high seas and throughout his dazzling Olympic career, the dream of racing big boats around the world entirely alone, has refused to fade.

So when the Artemis Offshore Academy was recently launched, the two-times Olympic medallist – silver at Sydney in the 49er followed by a bronze in Athens 2004 – started to see a future in sailing beyond his 49er campaign for London 2012.

“It offers an opportunity to get into a game that is hard to get into without a lot of resources, where someone is providing boats and knowledge.

It would be almost impossible for someone like me to find those resources,” said the 37-year-old father of two who will get his first taste of Open 60 racing when he takes the helm in the Artemis Challenge during Cowes Week.

Hiscocks thinks he has the all-round skills required of a long-distance solo sailor, but admits his Olympic success has tested only a few of them.

“There is a lot more required of this sort of sailor compared to an Olympic sailor and chances are I might not be very good.

"I’ve never done any solo sailing offshore but am a jack of all trades which is what you need to succeed.

‘‘I like the idea of being under a lot of pressure and having everything thrown at you.”

Read the full story here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/sailing/7919393/Cowes-Week-2010-...