Knox-Johnston’s Open 60 named Saga Insurance

by Kelly Russell on 22 Sep 2006
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Open 60 racing yacht will be officially named ‘Saga Insurance’ at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth today by rock legend Roger Taylor.

37 years after becoming the first person ever to sail single-handed and non-stop round the world, Sir Robin is once again pitting himself against the elements alone in the VELUX 5 Oceans single-handed yacht race.

The naming ceremony will serve as a significant milestone in Team Saga Insurance’s preparations for the start of the race in Bilbao, Spain on 22 October. At key moments on land and at sea Sir Robin will play the inspirational song ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, reflecting his determination to overcome any obstacles to success, so it is apt that Roger Taylor will join him in Portsmouth to officially name ‘Saga Insurance’. At 67 Sir Robin is the oldest and most experienced skipper in the competitive fleet, but his campaign demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving at the highest level.

Early next week ‘Saga Insurance’ will depart from UK waters and head for the start port of the ultimate challenge. During the circumnavigation, completed in three legs, Sir Robin will encounter all manner of conditions, from mountainous waves to violent storms and freezing conditions in the Southern Ocean, all while racing against the world’s top single-handed sailors.

‘Saga Insurance’ has undergone a major refit in preparation for these extreme offshore conditions, including new sails, Volvo engine, keel, rigging and instruments provided by Raymarine, which will allow Sir Robin to use his wealth of experience to push the performance racing yacht to its full potential. Today the new-look yacht will be unveiled to the public for the first time for a traditional champagne naming ceremony, and crowds are expected to gather on the quayside to see two legends of their respective worlds.

Commenting on his preparations for the race Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: 'During our preparation of ‘Saga Insurance’, the naming ceremony has always been marked as a turning point - the time when we move into a higher gear in anticipation of the race start in just a few weeks time. We are very happy with the work carried out, and I am thoroughly looking forward to the voyage in the knowledge that ‘Saga Insurance’ will be fully equipped for the job.

'While there has been much curiosity about my position as the oldest skipper taking part, I have been far too busy living life and getting everything in place for a successful campaign to ponder the subject of age!'

Commenting on the naming ceremony, Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive, Saga said: 'Seeing ‘Saga Insurance’ afloat and officially named in readiness for this epic voyage will be a very proud moment. Sir Robin’s campaign to take on the world’s oceans is a perfect example of the extraordinary feats achievable by the over 50s and we are thoroughly looking forward to backing the team throughout this inspirational race.'