#FastnetRace - A legend of British sailing has slammed the BBC for "sea-blindness" in failing to cover the start of last week's Rolex Fastnet Race.
As The Daily Telegraph reports, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston told Yachting World that the start of this year's race from Cowes to Fastnet Rock and back "could not have been more spectacular or received more publicity all over the world.
"However, there was one major exception - the national BBC news and sports news. It was full of football, athletics and cricket, but unbelievably ignored the start completely."
Sir Robin added that he feels "we have forgotten we [British] are a maritime nation surrounded by waters and sailing is one of our most successful sports. Sailing is not elitist."
His comments were echoed by Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, who conceded that improvements could be made in the presentation of sailing events to make them easier for TV viewers to follow.
The 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race was won last Thursday by father-son duo Pascal and Alexis Loison, the first time a double-handed crew has won the race in its 88-year history.
The Daily Telegraph has much more on the story HERE.