Fastnet Race: Record-breaking turn out for yacht challenge

Hundreds of spectators watched the start of the race at midday

A record 356 yachts have started the 2015 Fastnet Race.

The challenge, which takes place every two years, runs 608 miles (1,126 km) from Cowes on the Isle of Wight to the Fastnet lighthouse off south west Ireland, and then back to Plymouth.

Hundreds of spectators watched the first of the starts with the Royal Yacht Squadron at 12:00 BST.

A spokeswoman for the organisers said: "We're having beautiful weather, not much breeze, but lovely sunshine."

The teams are competing for the Fastnet Challenge Cup.

The Fastnet Race is celebrating its 90th anniversary

Chief executive officer of the the Royal Ocean Racing Club, Eddie Warden-Owen, said ahead of the race: "I think this is for many people a challenge in their sailing experience that's talked about a lot and it's probably on their bucket list.

"It's the Everest of sailing I think, and also they feel comfortable that there's lots of boats around so there's a challenge amongst fellow peers."

Two-handed crew Pascal and Alexis Loison won the last race in 2013, which saw 336 yachts take part.

The French father and son team completed the course in three days, 18 hours, 29 minutes and 57 seconds.

The event celebrates its 90th anniversary this year.

The first race in 1925 started with seven boats, with four making it to the finish line.