Chapman, a mechanical engineer and lifeguard, has been named on the 10-crew yacht Turn the Tide on Plastic to compete against six other identical Volvo Ocean 65s in the nine-month round the world race.

The Volvo Ocean Race is considered sailing’s toughest team challenge and one of the sport’s big three events, alongside the Olympics and America’s Cup.

Chapman, 25, has spent most of the past 18 months sailing in Europe ahead of the race and was “beyond excited”.

“The Volvo is the dream that I’ve been working towards for seven years,” Chapman said. “After five Sydney to Hobarts, and countless other races, I’ve finally made it. And especially with competition for spots so intense.”

Chapman will be the bow, “the pointy end of the yacht where you can’t avoid getting barrelled”.

“It’s dangerous, but it’s a constant adrenaline rush,” he said.