Yesterday in Bilbao, whilst preparing his yacht, ‘Saga Insurance’ for the start of the Velux 5 Oceans, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston slipped on a sail and fell as a result of a small amount of hydraulic fluid on his boots.

Sir Robin has consulted the doctor and undergone x-rays to his back. The x-rays show a hairline fracture to his coccyx but he has been advised that this should not prevent him sailing. Sir Robin is continuing his preparations for the race, which starts on 22 October 2006.