A DEDICATED lifeboat volunteer is taking on an incredible voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

Becs Miller set off from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands on November 24 and will cover more than 2,700 miles as she heads west for the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia.

More than 200 boats departed from Las Palmas, on the island’s north coast, as part of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).

Becs, of Dunbar, is aboard a tall ship cruiser for the epic journey and is due to arrive in the Caribbean tomorrow (Sunday).

But although it will be an altogether different environment from the lifeboats, she is relishing the challenge.

Ahead of setting off on the trip of a lifetime, Becs, a former education officer for the RNLI and volunteer at Dunbar RNLI for over five years, said: “I’m really excited to be taking part.

“It’s a different experience being part of a yacht crew but the same principles apply – looking out for each other, good team work, hard effort and respecting the water at all times.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the freedom of sailing, being able to see the stars with no light pollution and see a bit more of the world.”

The annual event dates back to 1986, with hundreds of boats making their way across the Atlantic each year.

Bringing together yachts from all over the world, the fleet gather in Las Palmas Marina in the heart of the city.

ARC sailors have a choice of two routes, with vessels either travelling via Cape Verde or heading straight for the Caribbean.

Becs, who is part of a 14-person crew, decided to sign up for the exhilarating event after the sudden and sad loss of a close friend.

The 47-year-old, who also does other voluntary work, said: “Losing her so suddenly made me realise the importance of doing things while you still can.”

Her participation will also help benefit underprivileged children as the company she is sailing with, First Class Sailing, uses part of the proceeds to help young people experience the thrill of yacht racing.

She added: “That aspect was important to me as I’ve learned the benefit of being part of a crew, the teamwork involved and how vital it is to play to each other’s strengths.”

However, it is not the first time that Becs has swapped Dunbar Harbour for the seven seas.

In 2004, she sailed from Costa Rica to the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific, while she recently achieved a day skipper qualification that she started at Dunbar Lifeboat Station.

She said: “You learn so much as a volunteer on the lifeboat crew and it inspires you to take on new challenges.”