Legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston fought 30-knot winds on his first night in the solo transatlantic Route du Rhum race.

The 75-year-old grandfather of five is the oldest skipper in the competition, which travels more than 3,400 miles from St Malo in France to French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe.

Knox-Johnston, who is known for sailing single-handedly and non-stop around the world in 1969, dealt better than others with the savage conditions and, as of yesterday evening, he was just along the French coast near the port town of Roscoff in 13th place.

“I saw a couple turn round,” the founder of the Clipper Race said about the harsh conditions. “It was a gear breaking situation if you did not think of the boat and try get her (his boat) comfortable.

“We came through without damage, except for the staysail sheets becoming amorous, and it took a dark, cold wet hour on the foredeck, often under water, sorting out the resulting snakes’ honeymoon.”

No fewer than 15 incidents riddled Sunday night’s action, including a collision between a competitor and a cargo ship, as well as the air rescue of a sailor after his boat overturned.

Knox-Johnston is sailing Open 60 yacht Grey Power and is involved in the Route du Rhum for the first in 32-years.