Tim Kent of Elm Grove launched his Everest Horizontal sailboat last week in the longest race in the world.

Kent is competing in the Around Alone sailing race, which covers 28,775 miles and literally circumnavigates the world.

The race will take part in five legs, the final one taking place in April. The first, from New York to Turbay, England, started last Saturday and will run through much of this month.

In the second leg, sailors will travel from England to Cape Town, South Africa, in November. Other legs include Cape Town to New Zealand in December, New Zealand to Brazil in February and Brazil to Newport, Rhode Island.

Kent had to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, from South Carolina to the Azores, to qualify for the event. His biggest challenge was to raise the funds for the trip since he does not have one major sponsor.

Scholastic Magazine is affiliated with Kent and will help develop an educational program for K-12 students from his experience.

Look for additional updates on Kent's quest when The Milwaukee Sports Buzz returns to weekly publication on Fri., Oct. 4. In the meantime check out Kent's Web site.