SOME of the fastest racing yachts in the world gathered in a breezy Solent yesterday for the start of the classic Rolex Fastnet Race.

However, the two pre-race favourites, both built in and around Southampton, gave the 233-strong fleet a glimpse of the speeds that are likely to have records tumbling.

In a south-westerly wind gusting 23 knots, the pair of similarly sleek racing machines, Skandia Leopard and Stealth charged off, matching each other tack for tack, sweeping out of the Solent before the smoke from the Royal Yacht Squadron starting cannon had vanished into the clouds.

The 92ft Leopard, built by Green Marine at a yard in Woolston for property millionaire Mike Slade, came into the race after some lightning fast sprints in Skandia Life Cowes Week.

Her rating prevented her from landing the top prizes, but each day she flew around the courses at a rate of knots, making her one of the most enduring sights of the regatta.

Main rival Stealth, with glossy black hull, black spars and enormous black sails, was also built by Green Marine at their headquarters in Lymington. She returns to the Solent for the first time since her launch in 1996. She was commissioned by Gianni Agnelli, the boss of Fiat, and is based in Antibes.

Both yachts have skippers from Hamble. Whitbread veteran Paul Standbridge is in charge on Stealth, while Chris Sherlock, who originates from Perth, Australia, directed Leopard's build in 2000 and has been skipper ever since. Both have targeted each other as they compete for one of yachting's most coveted trophies.

If the winds remain strong throughout the 608-mile course round the Irish lighthouse and into Plymouth, both are likely to break the current Fastnet record of two days, six hours and nine minutes set by the American maxi-yacht Boomerang in 1999.

Ludde Ingvalle's 80ft Nicorette, helmed by Cowes yachtswoman Shirley Robertson, broke a batten in the mainsail at the start.

But within half an hour, during which time they sailed under jib only, the big sail was back up and Ingvalle reported they were going "like a bat out of hell".

This event, which was first staged in 1925, also features four Volvo Ocean Race yachts which will compete in the round the world race starting from Southampton on September 23.

Assa Abloy, also built by Green Marine, and News Corporation, skippered by former Silk Cut crewman Jez Fanstone from Lymington, lined up alongside Tyco and Illbruck to decide the favourites among the new generation VOR 60s.