大象传媒

In 1960, North Devon-born yachtsman Francis Chichester took on a handful of brave sailors - and the elements - to compete in the first ever single-handed Transatlantic yacht race.

The race, from Plymouth to New York, set in motion one of the world's most famous yachting events, which has been held every four years since.

Chichester won the race in 40 days. It was a remarkable achievement, on board his yacht, Gipsy Moth III.

Chichester, Hasler, Lewis and Howels

Four yachtsmen threw their hat into the ring when the race was announced - Chichester, Blondie Hasler, David Lewis and Val Howels (in the photo on the right).

A fifth, Frenchman Jean Lacombe, later joined the line-up.

They encountered terrible storms en route to New York, which Chichester refers to in this interview.

Despite the conditions, Chichester - who was later knighted for this achievements - crossed the line in a record time to win the race in 40 days.

Afterwards, he did an interview about the feat, which was first aired in July 1960.