Cumming is one of the youngest competitors in the field

Plymouth sailor Rob Cumming is heading to Falmouth to repair storm damage on his yacht Ego Tripp, four days after the start of the OSTAR.

The 19-year-old is the second youngest competitor in the transatlantic race from Plymouth to Newport, Rhode Island.

Cumming's mainsail and diesel engine were damaged in rough conditions off Lands End on Tuesday night.

Under race rules the teenager can head into port for repairs and then return to sea with a 24-hour penalty.

Rob's dad, Bob Cumming, told BBC Radio Devon he hopes they can sort the problems out with the boat as quickly as possible.

"Rob's going to come back into Falmouth, then we'll take a day to go over the boat, fix everything, make sure it's all working and then he's back off again," he said.

A total of 31 skippers started the OSTAR in Plymouth on Monday afternoon.

Race director David Southwood has been tracking the progress of all the competitors back at Race HQ in Plymouth.

Southwood told BBC Spotlight that the biggest challenge for Cumming will be completing the OSTAR despite the problems with his boat.

"I think for a lot of people the race isn't about winning; it's the challenge of finishing," he said.

"The leaders are really going for it, but for someone like Rob if he gets across the Atlantic it will be a fantastic achievement."

Three skippers have already pulled out of the OSTAR after experiencing difficulties with their boats.

Austrian Reini Gelder, French sailor Anne Caseneuve are both returning to port, whilst Britain's Jonathan Snodgrass is already back in Plymouth.

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