HERO Hampshire yachtsman Mike Golding is finally back on dry land this morning, a week after rescuing opponent Alex Thomson from the Southern Ocean and suffering a broken mast.

The 46-year-old from Warsash, Southampton, docked in Cape Town shortly after 7pm GMT last night and now faces a nail-biting 48 hours to see if his stricken boat can be repaired.

Despite already suffering an eight-day delay, Golding has refused to rule out continuing the race, which is the only major challenge he has yet to complete in his illustrious sailing career.

A decision is expected on Monday morning, following assessment of the damage to Ecover and discussions with his shore team.

But speaking shortly before landing in South Africa, Mike revealed he had more pressing priorities than how soon he would be back at sea.

"I am just looking forward to a beer, a shower, a meal and more beer. In that order," he said.

"I would not have it any other way. It hasn't worked out the way we planned it, but all of that is put into perspective. Hugo Boss is gone and Alex is not."

Golding turned his yacht round and sailed 80 miles upwind on hearing that 32-year-old rival Thomson, of Gosport, had suffered severe damage to his keel and needed to abandon ship.

After a nervous overnight wait, he completed a daring two-hour rescue, plucking his compatriot from a life raft in 15-foot swells.

Just six hours later Golding, who had been lying second in the Velux 5 Oceans race, was devastated to discover his mast had been broken in two places.

He was left with no option but to about turn again and make the slow trip to Cape Town.

Despite the cruel twist of fate, he hinted he is far from ready to give up on rejoining the other racers who are making their way to Freemantle, Australia.

"I'm missing the race already," said Mike.

"I enjoy it. Just prior to the rescue we were having some of the most amazing sailing, stressful but extraordinary.

"You could easily get fed up with the cruel nature of the sport, but it is actually the one area of my life that perhaps I am quite optimistic about, something I am able to convince myself every time that we'll be able to avoid next time."