French hail heroic UK sailor

It may be rare for a Briton to become a hero in France but Pete Goss received an emotional welcome yesterday when he crossed the finishing line at the resort of Les Sables after the world's most gruelling solo race.

After greeting his wife, Tracey, Goss had a reunion with the French sailor he had saved in the Southern Ocean. Raphael Dinelli was among the first to clamber on board the Briton's 50ft yacht, Aqua Quorum, where he threw his arms around his fellow competitor.

Three months ago Goss, 35, turned back and rescued Dinelli after his yacht capsized. Yesterday he was greeted by crowds chanting his name. He is expected to receive the Legion d'honneur in May. Yesterday he was modest about his heroism: "I just had a cup of tea and got on with it." During the Vendee Globe race, in which he came fifth, the ex-Marine also had to operate on his own arm, receiving instructions by fax.

Goss, who sails back to Britain next week for a reunion with his three young children, said the voyage had been mentally demanding but he would "recommend it to anybody".