TWO skippers were left redfaced after a dramatic crash in the world’s longest ocean race.

The yacht Great Britain and the Hampshire-based vessel PSP Logistics were forced to return to port for repairs after the collision.

The smash happened at the start line of the latest 2,000-mile stage of the round-the-world Clipper Race from Albany, western Australia, to Sydney and as the vessels were approaching a mark.

As previously reported, many Hampshire residents are taking part in the race, including Jacob Carter from Portchester, on board Great Britain and 24- year-old Southampton student Samuel Trimmer, on PSP Logistics.

Great Britain skipper Simon Talbot, said: “It’s very, very hard – these things happen, but when they happen at the beginning of an around-the-cans (the markers used during offshore racing) series it's very different to an oceanic race.

“On a personal level it’s very saddening.”

Fortunately nobody was injured in the crash and both teams hope to get under way tomorrow.

Chris Hollis, skipper of PSP Logistics, said: “I’m feeling pretty down.

“It’s not a good situation to be in. The only positive is that no one was hurt, but it looks like it’ll be tomorrow afternoon at the earliest, so we’ll probably miss the weather system.”

The Great Britain and PSP Logistics are among six British entries to the 11-month, roundthe- world ocean race.

Twelve 70ft stripped-down identical ocean racing yachts are taking part in the 40,000-mile race which finishes in London on July 12 next year.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, chairman and founder of the race, said: “This will go to a protest committee of international jurors who will make a decision.

It’s very unfortunate but no one was hurt and the damage can be repaired quite quickly.

“The skippers are gutted and so are their crews.

“The thing is now to get those boats sorted and get them sailing again. We will deal with what happened in the incident in Sydney.

“The person who is innocent will be offered redress for time lost while repairs are carried out. There is no other penalty, but they have lost time.”