RECORDS fell as more than 1,500 boats took part in a historic yacht race in Hampshire.

Organisers of this year's JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race said it was “a superb summer's day” with ideal conditions for the hundreds of sailors taking part as Lymington's Sir Ben Ainslie smashed a previous record by 16 minutes.

Thousands of people came to see racing yachts of various types and watch Sir Ben Ainslie smash the world record complete the challenge in two hours, 52 minutes, and 15 seconds.

Sir Ben's 45ft America's Cup catamaran JP Morgan BAR crossed the line at 8.02am breaking Francis Joyon's previous record held since 2001.

Second across the finish line was Mike Slade's ICAP Leopard shaving nearly 10 minutes off the monohull race record he set in 2008.

Trophies and full results will be announced at noon today by sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.