WEST Devon optometrist Angus McPhie is competing in one of the toughest round Britain sailing challenges in a boat which is going for its hat-trick win. Experienced sailor Mr McPhie set off from Plymouth Hoe on Sunday in the trimaran ?Waverider?, owned by his team-mate Nigel Passmore, which has taken line honours in the last two Round Britain and Ireland races. Organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club, the 2,000-mile race involves 40 boats and is expected to take three weeks. Round the world yachtsman Pete Goss is also taking part. Prior to setting off, Mr McPhie, who lives in Tavistock, said this race was comparable with the Fastnet for endurance racing and he was very excited, having never taken part before. He competed in all legs of the 1996/97 BT Global Challenge and enjoyed success with Nigel Passmore racing his J24 and J80 sportsboats, winning races at national championships and as part of the British team at the Europeans. The 43ft Waverider has been improved and upgraded for this event.