HAMPSHIRE yachtswoman Emma Richards yesterday sailed out of the storm that has tested her to the limit in the Around Alone race.

Richards in her 60ft yacht Pindar remains in second place behind leader Bernard Stamm in Bobst in the second leg of the round-the-world competition.

During the past 48 hours, Richards has battled with 95-mph winds and heavy seas which has demasted one of her rival's boats.

"She is in good spirits and still in one piece and the boat is still in one piece," said a spokeswoman. "The worst of the storm is now over but she still has squalls to deal with."

The spokeswoman added that Richards from Hamble, is presently 150 miles behind Stamm and just off the North African coast.