Solo yachtswoman Emma Richards has sailed into harbour in Devon after a gruelling two-week record-breaking Transatlantic voyage.

The 27-year-old sailed into Brixham just after 0700 BST Sunday after completing the first stage of the single-handed Around Alone yacht race.

By arriving safely in Devon aboard Pindar she has become the first woman to sail single-handedly across the Atlantic from west to east in a monohull boat.

Ms Richards and 12 other competitors set off from New York on 15 September facing extreme weather conditions during the first stretch of the five leg 29,000 mile race.

I haven't had time to feel lonely

Emma Richards

If Miss Richards, from Hamble, Hampshire, completes the eight-month-long race she will enter the record books for being the first woman to have finished it.

Miss Richards spoke of her delight at coming back to the UK where she was met by her family.

"I really haven't had time to be lonely but it's great to be back," she said.

Miss Richards sailed into harbour in fourth place in the Around Alone race.

Emma Richards: Thinking about the next stage

She made up several places in the last few days after experiencing difficulties early on including a broken gennaker - an important head-sail.

She said: "I feel great now I have arrived safely and in a good position in the race.

"The guys have been giving away the places, I couldn't believe their tactics.

"They must have been concentrating on other things because they weren't concentrating on tactics."

South Africa

Miss Richards, who is originally from Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, added that she will now be focussing on preparing for the next stage to South Africa which leaves in two weeks.

"I haven't even had a shower yet but after enjoying a few home comforts I will start thinking about the next leg."

The leader at this stage is Swiss yachtsman Bernard Stamm.

The race finishes in the United States in April.