Emma Richards/PINDAR

Porträt beim Around Alone 02/03 Emma Richards, the 29-year-old British yachtswoman, is to receive an MBE. Emma is included in the New Years Honours list in recognition of her epic exploits in Around Alone earlier this year when she became the first British woman and youngest ever person to complete the 29,000-mile, solo round the world race. Richards' MBE is also in acknowledgement for the work she has done in her role as an Ambassador for the HSBC Education Trust. The HSBC Education Trust aims to raise standards in education by providing students with inspirational experiences beyond the classroom, and Emma has committed a large amount of time during and after Around Alone to supporting the Trust's hard work. Richards is currently in New Zealand writing her account of her exploits in Around Alone for her book which will be published in October 2004.