Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Devon sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has finished the gruelling Velux 5 Oceans single-handed round-the-world race.

Sir Robin, who lives near Ipplepen, crossed the finish line off Bilbao, northern Spain, at 10.24am British time on Friday 4 May.

It's an amazing achievement for Sir Robin, who celebrated his 68th birthday during the 30,000 mile race. He is the oldest person to finish the contest.

Sir Robin punched the air in triumph as he crossed the finishing line at Bilbao harbour entrance.

He was escorted in by a flotilla of 15 boats and as soon as he crossed the finishing line, his brothers went on board to help him bring his boat alongside.

Sir Robin sails into Bilbao (OnEdition)

Sir Robin sped over the finishing line making about 15 miles an hour after the wind picked up.

After jumping off his boat on to the pontoon, he said: "It's a phenomenal reception from the people of Bilbao and I really appreciate it - all those boats out there, and all those people along the Breakwater.

"I'm pleased to be back in Bilbao.

"How do I feel? I reckon I could go 15 rounds with Mike Tyson right now. There is nothing wrong with me physically."

He told Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Devon: "I wouldn't have missed doing this event for anything. My regret is that I didn't have longer to prepare so I wasn't as competitive as I might have been.

"I've made some friendships that will survive time.

"But I'm pulling out - that's it - I've done my last solo circumnavigation. I shall watch the careers of the youngsters."

Sir Robin celebrated finishing the race by opening a bottle of champagne on his boat, followed by a swig of a whisky chaser before handing the bottle to fellow skipper and winner of the race, Bernard Stamm.

In 1969, Sir Robin became the first person to sail non-stop, single-handedly around the world, when it took 312 days.

Bernard Stamm and Sir Robin (OnEdition)

In the Velux 5 Oceans Race, there were two stops - in Fremantle, Australia, and Norfolk, Virginia.

Sir Robin, on board Saga Insurance,Μύ finished the third and final leg in third place.

However, Basque sailor Unai Basurko - who crossed the finish line a day after Sir Robin - claimed overall third spot in the race.

Seven sailors set off from Bilbao at the start of the race on 22 October, 2007.

But only four lasted the distance - Sir Robin, Basurko, race winner Bernard Stamm from Switzerland, and runner-up Kojiro Shiraisi from Japan.

Stamm is the first person to win the race twice in succession - he also won it four years ago when it was called Around Alone.

For Sir Robin, this will probably be his last solo around-the-world race - although he says he might feel tempted to try and reclaim the Jules Verne Trophy he previously held with the late Peter Blake for breaking the round-the-world record.

The Velux 5 Oceans Race was not always plain sailing for Sir Robin, who encountered technical problems on board Saga Insurance.

In his blog, Sir Robin admits: "Would I do this again? No. This was my last realistic chance to try and be competitive on the solo circuit.

"On balance, I have enjoyed the sailing and always enjoy that feeling of freedom you get at sea - but I've been frustrated by little things in the racing.

"I don't think age has played any part in the event. The others are a bit more elastic than I, but that's about it."