An Open 60 sailed by a top French ocean racing champ is under investigation by the MCA for allegedly breaking COLREGs while attempting to set a new round Britain and Ireland record.

Marc Guillemot and his five-strong crew sailing the Open 60 Safran were trying to top their own record of 6 days and nine hours to cover the theoretical 1,773 miles when the alleged infringements occurred.

The alleged offences took place in the Dover Strait and Sunk Traffic Separation Schemes.

An MCA spokesman said: “We are investigating alleged breaking of Rule 10 in the COLREGS.’

Photo: Courtesy Yachting World