( CNN ) They 're some of the toughest athletes on the planet , saying goodbye to loved ones for almost a year , as they traverse the globe 's oceans . Hardened Volvo Ocean Race sailors must sleep in four-hour shifts , and survive on little more than freeze dried food and chocolate bars , if they hope to win the event . The prestigious competition kicked off from Alicante , Spain , in October last year , and will finish nine months later in Gothenberg , Sweden . Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper Ian Walker , spoke about the journey so far . This is the 45-year-old Briton 's third Volvo Ocean Race . `` As the leading offshore race -- and the one that is most vulnerable to nature and synonymous with danger -- it could be described as the 'Everest of sailing . ' '' `` We trained for six months , covering 16,000 sea miles . As a team , we usually do three weeks on the boat , one week off . When not offshore , we train six-days-a-week in the gym . '' `` Everybody has four hours on deck , followed by four hours off when you eat and sleep . On the off-watch , you still have to get on deck and help for any sail changes , so it is quite disturbed . '' `` Mainly freeze dried food with some savory and sweet treats like beef jerky , dried fruits , one chocolate bar per day , and nuts . '' `` I 'm the skipper , so overall in charge of safety and performance . I 'm involved with all strategic decisions with my navigator , Simon Fisher , and I run one of the watches when on deck . Onshore , I 'm also busy with media duties and management of our 15 shore team members . '' `` It can be an emotional roller coaster and it can be tough not to take things personally if they do n't go well . At sea , emotions can range from frustration , boredom , elation , being scared , loneliness ... it is important to try to keep a level head at all times -- especially if you are the skipper ! '' `` I have great respect for the ocean . It will always win in the end so you must respect it . I am also saddened by all the man-made debris we see in the ocean as we sail round the world . '' `` A professional sailor with a fierce determination to win . Someone who is prepared to put the needs of the team above his own , and who is prepared to commit over 12 months of his life to being away from normal life . '' Photo Gallery : On board the 'Everest of Sailing ' Insight : Can all-women team conquer sailing 's 'toughest ' race ? Watch : Who are the people who sail across the globe ?
Volvo Ocean Race described as the 'Everest of Sailing ' 15 teams battle on the high seas for nine months .