Robin Knox-Johnston on Suhaili
Forty years ago today, Robin Knox-Johnston sailed into Falmouth completing a historic around the world sail in 10 short months. In completing the Golden Globe race, he became the first sailor to circumnavigate non-stop and solo.
Knox-Johnston sailed this race in a way that epitomizes the romance of the sea. He is the grizzled salty sailor that you picture when thinking about heroic sailing feats. He caulked the leaky seams on Suhaili while under way. He drank and he sailed. He was out of radio contact for months at a time but he kept sailing. Nobody else finished the race though Bernard Moitessier would have if he hadn't decided to go for a second lap while he was out there.
Since his incredible journey, Knox-Johnston has continued to amaze the sailing world. He won the Jules Verne tropy for fastest circumnavigation in 1994 with Peter Blake. In 2007, he placed 4th in the Velux 5 Oceans race, completing his second solo circumnavigation. And he was knighted in 2008.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is a true sailor...one that deserves our respect, admiration and thanks for enhancing our sport and blazing new trails.
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