TWO yachts collided in a dramatic start to the latest leg of a 37,000-mile round the world yacht race founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

The 70ft yachts crashed in waters off Cape Town, South Africa, at the start line of leg four of the Clipper Round the World Race, run by Sir Robin’s Gosport-based company Clipper Ventures.

The latest leg will see the eight yachts race 4,700 miles to Geraldton in Western Australia, expected to take around three weeks.

Sir Robin said: “This is a closely contested race and this kind of thing happens in fiercely competitive racing.

“The race is under way – eight boats are racing off towards Geraldton.

“For the two damaged boats, repairs will be effected as speedily as possible so they can catch up.”