From financial storms to turbulent oceans

AN energetic Corrandulla native is set to leave her job in the world of corporate banking to brave the elements in a gruelling test of physical and mental fitness and endurance – a yacht race spanning 35,000 miles around the globe.In September, 29 year-old Orla Mellett, who is from Bolisheen in Corrandulla, will ditch weathering a job in the current global financial storm, in favour of braving some of the world’s toughest weather conditions – including winds of more than 100 km/h and waves of more than 100 feet – as she joins the crew on a 10 month jaunt.To raise money for charity, she will be part of the crew of the 68-foot yacht named 'Cork’, one of ten yachts competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race – the first time there has been an Irish entry in the 13-year history of the race.The Cork (so named because it is sponsored by Cork City and County Councils as well as Fáilte Ireland) will be manned by a varying 42-strong crew under skipper Richie Fearon over the ten month duration – 24 men and 18 women ranging in age from 26 to 61 and spanning five nationalities. There will be 19 on-board at any one time.However, Orla is one of the ten crew members who face the punishing challenge of being on-board for all seven legs of the race, to raise funds for Croí, the West of Ireland heart foundation and Aware, the depression awareness charity.She has...