Sailing: Knox-Johnston works passage back to fifth
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Robin Knox-Johnston was back in fifth place last night on the 12,200-mile first leg of the Velux 5 Oceans round-the-world race from Bilbao to Fremantle, despite taking over three days to repair mast and electronics damage.
He was still 1,200 miles behind the leader, Bernard Stamm of Switzerland, who was less than 300 miles from the Cape Verde Islandshaving weathered the early storms which sent four of the six who started a week ago back to Spain to fix damage, mainly to sails.
In second was Japan's Kojiro Shiraishi, 280 miles behind, while Mike Golding and Alex Thomson reduced their deficits to 640 and 680 miles. Spain's Unai Basurko de Miguel announced he was making a second stop, this time at Vigo, to repair his autopilots.
In St Malo there was a crowded but orderly start to the 3,540-mile Route du Rhum transatlantic race. Among the leaders of the open 60s was Britain's Brian Thompson.
Out in front in the 60ft trimarans was the race favourite and past winner, Michel Desjoyeaux. Thompson hopes to complete the course to Guadeloupe in 12 to 14 days.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments