The annual Sydney to Hobart race begins today with ocean legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston taking part for the first time.

Sir Robin is joining Olympic medallist Mark Covell and British match racer Andy Green with owner Richard Dobbs on the Swan 68, Titania of Cowes.

Sir Robin said: ‘The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is seen as one of the world’s greatest classic yacht races and one that you must complete so as to be able to discuss intelligently.’

Many of the British crews have had their preparation for race affected by the winter weather with Titania of Cowes among the boats that had crew stranded in the UK.

Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom‘s handicap favourite Ran was worst affected with seven crew stranded.

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