Sir Robin is Home - Arrival in Portsmouth

by Camilla Green on 13 May 2007
Solo sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, on board SAGA Insurance, today sailed into Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, returning to British shores after making history in the VELUX 5 Oceans round the world yacht race.

Sir Robin was escorted from the Needles by the Clipper Round the World Race Fleet, the Royal Navy, the Queens Harbour Master and a large flotilla of spectator boats.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston become the oldest person to have completed this classic race and his natural ability, determination and perseverance saw him beat the world’s best skippers and left him fighting for a podium position right till the end, knocking 153 days of his original record of 312 days.

He completed the gruelling 30,000 mile race last week in Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain) after 159 days at sea and finished a respectable fourth position overall in a race which saw his protégé Alex Thomson abandon ship and British rival, Mike Golding, retire due to dismasting.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]The scenes were reminiscent of when Sir Robin Knox-Johnston arrived in Falmouth in 1969 after becoming a household name by being the first person to sail non-stop around the world in the 1968-69 Sunday Times Golden Globe. Almost 40 years later, the inspirational yachtsman made history again last week as he completed his second solo circumnavigation of the planet at the young age of 68.

The crowds joined him on the Solent to celebrate his monumental achievement in completing ‘The Ultimate Solo Challenge’ in his 60 foot yacht SAGA Insurance. He was also given an 11 gun salute from the Royal Yacht Squadron and greeted on the dock by hundreds of supports, his daughter and her five grandchildren and many other members of friends and family.

Speaking from the dockside, Knox-Johnston commented, 'I have had a wonderful reception all the along the coast and into Portsmouth. It is as special as when I completed the Golden Globe and brings back wonderful memories. The VELUX 5 Oceans is a classic event and I achieved my goal in solo circumnavigating the planet and have really enjoyed being back on the open seas again. I do not believe that life stops when you reach 65 and my yacht, SAGA Insurance, has illustrated that if we set our mind to a task, nothing is impossible (particularly with a drop of Old Pulteney whisky along the way!)'

'I am very touched that so many people have come out on the water to see my arrival back to the UK. I have just been given a bottle of whisky by the Commander Scott Verney, captain of HMS Edinburgh. He offered me a bottle when we made a rendezvous off the Falkland Islands; at the time I had to decline the kind offer but I am now more than happy to accept, so long as it’s Old Pulteney. It is good to be home.'

After sailing round the world in 1969 Sir Robin vowed to help others achieve extraordinary things through sailing. Ten years ago he set up Clipper Ventures which to date has run six successful round the world races, sailing 1.5 million miles with 1,500 men and women of all ages and experience on board the Clipper fleet. The next Clipper Round the World Race starts in September 2007 for which the same fleet will be used that escorted him in today.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]Tributes have come flooding in since Sir Robin finished the VELUX 5 OCEANS last Friday, May 4. Close friend Roger Taylor, the drummer from iconic band Queen, was also on dock to offer his personal congratulations.

Roger Taylor, from Queen:

'One can only stand back and applaud the most extraordinary feat Sir Robin has accomplished. To repeat a solo circumnavigation in an entirely different type of boat, at the age of 68 is to emphasis what a truly remarkable and brave example he is. Britain should be proud!'

Kevin Brennan, National Sales Manager, VELUX GB

'We salute and welcome Sir Robin Knox Johnston on his safe return to the UK. Anyone who takes on elements in the way it is required when completing the VELUX 5 OCEANS race is made of something special,' says Kevin Brennan. 'But to do so at the age of 68 is truly amazing. Sir Robin Knox Johnston has displayed unparalleled perseverance and a strong will to set new standards in healthy competition. The kind of values that made it relevant for us to sponsor the race in the first place.'

William Ward, CEO Clipper Ventures PLC:

'Sir Robin has always served to be a fantastic ambassador for the sport of sailing. We are delighted that our Chairman has returned safely, armed with an arsenal of stories and adventures. Sir Robin has always believed that anything is possible. It is why he founded the Clipper Race in order to provide sailing opportunities for everyone and those opportunities still exist today with the next race leaving Liverpool this September. Welcome back Sir Robin - you are a true hero of the high seas.'

Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive of Saga Insurance:

'I applaud Sir Robin’s achievement and I am delighted to see both him and ‘Saga Insurance’ arriving safely home. Sir Robin has proved that age is not a barrier when spirit and determination are present. He is a great ambassador for todays over 50s, proving that any challenge that you set your mind to is attainable.'

Iain Baxter, Brand Manager of Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky:

'Sir Robin is an inspiration and his latest achievement is only one of many challenges he is to be celebrated for. The team from Old Pulteney will be sailing out to meet him when he arrives into Portsmouth on Saturday. We’re very proud to have supported Sir Robin’s incredible sail and will be sure to welcome his return and toast his success with a dram of our finest 21 year old!'

John Blashford-Snell, Chairman of Scientific Exploration Society and explorer:

'Another great achievement. Congratulations on flying the flag so ably around the world at your young age. You exemplify that youth is a state of mind!'