Mr Bullimore became a global star in 1997 after surviving four days in the upturned hull of his boat which capsized during a solo round-the-world race, the Vendée Globe.

He was feared to have drowned after his boat, the Exide Challenger, capsized in the freezing waters of the Southern Ocean in 1997.

After four days it was spotted by an Australian navy ship and Mr Bullimore was rescued.

The Queen praised Mr Bullimore's "extraordinary feat of survival" and he was later introduced to Her Majesty.