Dozens of yachts have been forced to retire from the Rolex Fastnet Race, after battling 'brutal' conditions off the Isle of Wight.

Organisers said one vessel - the Sun Fast 3600 Vari - sank in the severe weather.

They confirmed crew onboard are safe and well, having been taken to Yarmouth.

HM Coastguard has received several call-outs, some of which involved injured crew.

There were also multiple other incidents, not involving coastguard. Race veteran and 2015 winner Géry Trentesaux was forced to retire after the mast foot on his yacht Long Courrier exploded.

Rolex Fastnet Race Race Director Steve Cole said: “The strong winds last night were forecast well in advance.

“The club would like to thank HM Coastguard and the RNLI for their assistance.

Read more: 50 Isle of Wight sailors in the 50th Rolex Fastnet Race

"It is thanks to their effort and skill that the incidents were dealt with professionally and those who required assistance were recovered safely.

"Now the front has passed the wind and sea state have dropped, and conditions are even set to be light over the next 24 hours.”

Yesterday (Saturday) saw 430 yachts set sail — a new record in what is the 50th edition of the world's largest offshore race.

The race started from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes at 1pm.

Yachts are sailing on a 695-nautical mile route to Cherbourg, France, via Fastnet Rock off Ireland.