A computer sales manager who took part in a global yacht race got more than she bargained for when she found love on the ocean waves.

Paula Balch, who had no previous sailing experience, took part in the race when she was offered the chance to join a team sponsored by Veritas, an IT company whose products she used to sell.

And it was during her two-month stint at sea - competing in the BT Global Challenge - that she met Adam Tuffnell, 27, pictured here with Paula, who was on a rival yacht manned by IT company Logica.

The romance was nearly on the rocks when Adam's yacht came in fourth overall, while Paula's yacht scraped in at ninth place out of 12.

But once on dry land, it was quickly back on course. And now Adam, who is a qualified skipper, has transferred the last year of his degree course in Interdisciplinary Human Studies from Winchester to the University of Bradford so he can live with Paula.

Paula, of Oakley Road, Clayton, was inspired to take part in the race by her father, Tom Balch, who was a member of the winning team in the Financial Times Clipper race in 1975.

She said: "I had always been fascinated by ships and yacht racing. When I was given the opportunity to take part myself it was an offer I couldn't turn down."

Paula, 31, will now be taking part in the BT Round Britain Challenge in aid of Cancer Research and AMICUS, an interactive music project for children which operates in the North East.

She will be joining 15 other amateur crew members who will set sail from Southampton on April 19 for a non-stop two-week circumnavigation of the British and Irish coastline.

The team, which will be supervised by a professional skipper and mate, will have to complete two five-day training courses before setting sail.

She said: "After my first taste of sailing in the last two legs of the BT Global Challenge there was no question of not getting involved in this year's event.

"I hope this will be the first of many sponsored challenges for me. Once out at sea, I will be concentrating on reaching that finish line, recording a good time and raising money."

Anyone who wants to sponsor Paula should ring (01274) 880636.

To join the Yorkshire Cancer Research committee or volunteer for a few hours a week in the charity shops ring (01423) 501269 or e-mail hq@ycr.org.uk.