Legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston almost has the finish line in his sights on the gruelling transatlantic Route du Rhum race.

The 75-year-old grandfather of five has been sailing more than 3,000 nautical miles from St Malo in France to the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe for the last a few weeks in the prestigious competition.

The oldest skipper on the race, Knox-Johnston, who was the first person to sail single-handedly and non-stop around the planet in the 1960s, has been tussling for a top three finish, but is currently sat in fourth.

He held third for more than a day earlier this week – but had dropped back more than 50 nautical miles off a top three spot by Tuesday.

The seafarer (pictured) made ground and as of last night he was under 30 nautical miles off Wilfrid Clerton in third.

But with just over 421 nautical miles remaining yesterday evening, the skipper has a race against time to get back into the podium positions in the Rhum class – with his expected arrival in Guadeloupe on Tuesday.

The race for top spot is already over after Anne Caseneuve took that prize on Wednesday.

The founder of the Clipper Race admitted that the race has taken its toll. “It has been physically demanding,” he said, answering questions on the Clipper Race website. “My boat bashes around a lot. I am not as agile as I once was but I am still pretty fit and can get round this boat pretty actively.

“The main exercise comes with grinding on the winches as I don't have to walk far for anything.

“I didn’t have a particular fitness regime before this race – I never do and don’t use a gym. The best way to train is to get out and practise sailing, so I did that as much as I could in the run up.

“I am used to the conditions and know that sleep deprivation is part of solo racing and can handle the endurance aspect as I have had a lot of practice at it so I don’t find that too hard mentally.”