Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has gained ground on the leading boats in the Rhum class on the first week of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe race.

The 75-year-old British Clipper Race founder and first man to sail solo, non-stop round the world in 1968/9 is currently in sixth place on his Open 60 Grey Power.

He has caught up from 14th position since setting off from Saint-Malo, France, last Sunday on the 3,542 mile Transatlantic contest.

Five boats in the class are fighting for the third Rhum class podium place, with Knox-Johnston currently 10 miles behind fifth-placed rival, Jean-Paul Froc on Groupe Berto.

Knox-Johnston, the oldest competitor in the race, is relishing his return to solo ocean racing and says it is very satisfying to be moving up the rankings after a cautious start.

“I have been enjoying the race immensely,” he said.

“I am watching the other boats in front very carefully. I’m after them. I want to beat them.

“The first 24 hours were very difficult, bashing upwind into a very agitated sea. “Some boats didn’t make it. I had a conservative sail plan so I was slow, but I didn't want to damage my boat or myself.

“Since then, things have been more comfortable for the most part and we have been making good speeds reaching since the wind veered late on Saturday.”

Knox-Johnston, a friend of Loick Peyron, the overall Route du Rhum winner who finished the course on Monday morning in record-breaking time, sent his congratulations to the French sailor from Grey Power.

"Records are there to be broken, but his new record time, with such a huge machine that is Banque Populaire VII, is incredible. It has my congratulations and admiration," he said.