Sir Robin Knox-Johnston crosses finish line
by Justine Ozoux on 4 May 2007
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston onEdition
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English solo sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has crossed the finish line of the VELUX 5 Oceans in Bilbao (Spain) at 11:22:03 local time (10:22:03 UK).
Carrying one reef in the mainsail in 12-15 knots of north-westerly breeze, Knox-Johnston stood, arms raised, on the aft deck of SAGA Insurance to sail the final few metres of Leg 3 passed the fleet of 25-30 spectator and press boats.
Within seconds of crossing the finish line, a RIB pulled alongside Knox-Johnston's Open 60 and his shore team and the British solo sailor's two brothers scrambled onboard SAGA Insurance.
The 68 year old sailor completed the third and final leg of the VELUX 5 Oceans onboard SAGA Insurance after a transatlantic sprint that started in Norfolk (USA) 16 days, 17 hours and 2 minutes ago.
The challenge started on the 22 October 2006 when the fleet left Bilbao. Six month later and after 159 days, 12 hours and 42 minutes at sea, Sir Robin’s result marks an extraordinary achievement.
First man to ever complete a solo circumnavigation in 1969, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston now 68, sails into the history books after completing this historic solo voyage.
Quotes and pictures to follow…
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