British yachtsman Mike Golding has finished the Vendee Globe round-the-world singlehanded race with the fourth fastest time overall.

Golding was forced to delay his start to the race last November when his main mast snapped, and he eventually left port more than eight days after the main fleet.

Despite that setback, Golding reached Les Sables D'Olonnes in seventh place overall in a time of 102 days, 12 hours 22mins - 18 days behind the winner.

Hardship

The race was won by Frenchman Michel Desjoyeaux, who crossed the finishing line on 10 February.

Britain's Ellen MacArthur finished second on 11 February with Frenchman Roland Jourdain completing the podium placings on 14 February.

Golding also becomes the only person to have completed a non-stop, solo circumnavigation of the globe aboard a monohull in both directions.

The hardship of the final stages of the epic race were forgotten, including running out of food, as Golding waved and grinned wildly at family, friends and media aboard the flotilla of assorted craft which had gone out to welcome him home.

After spending a short while with his family Golding was presented to the crowds waiting for him at the Race Village.