The Chandlers set sail on the same yacht from which they were kidnapped in 2009. Picture: TVFTDO/SWNS.com

A Kent couple held hostage for more than a year by Somali pirates have set sail on the same yacht again - hoping to finish their round-the-world trip.

Paul and Rachel Chandler, from Tunbridge Wells, were captured as they sailed from the Seychelles in 2009.

They have spent the last two years restoring the 38ft Lynn Rival that was found drifting in the Indian Ocean.

The couple, pictured left, waved to passers-by as they left Dartmouth, in Devon, before heading to a Cornish port and then likely Spain.

Their route is not belied to include the area around the Seychelles or near the coast of Somalia, where they were captured.

Mr Chandler earlier said their 13-month ordeal has not put them off travelling.

He said: "I think we can cope with most things now. That is one of the advantages of an extreme experience.

"You realise you can cope with what the world throws at you.

"It's an experience that hasn't killed us so we will learn from it and move on."

The Chandlers had been sailing near the idyllic shores of the Seychelles when they were captured.

They were released 13 months later in November 2010.