HAMPSHIRE sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston declared himself “tired” after a sleepless night competing in the Route du Rhum.

Sir Robin’s Open 60 Grey Power was lying third in the Rhum Class as of tonight.

“It is steadier than it was yesterday (Saturday) and so that is good,” Sir Robin, 75, reported.

“It was swapping around yesterday. I am feeling a bit tired today, I did not get much sleep.

“One did not get very much sleep because there was a lot of changes in the wind, and them my satcomms went down so that took three hours trying to get that to work again.

“So, frankly, I am really needing some sleep.

“I think the weather will settle and maybe come round to the north.

“For me, it is just these constant changes in wind direction and strength.

“With no wind instruments, it means you are constantly changing course.

“I have to be on top of it all the time.”

Sir Robin, as of tonight, still had over 1,200 nautical miles to go until the finish in Guadeloupe.