Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Sir Robin congratulates Golden Globe winner Jean-Luc Van Den Heede

by Clipper Round the World 29 Jan 2019 22:32 PST 29 January 2019
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston congratulates Golden Globe Race winner Jean-Luc Van Den Heede © Clipper Race

Just months out from the 50th anniversary of his historic voyage, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has travelled to Les Sables d'Olonne to congratulate the winner of the Golden Globe Race 2018.

Sir Robin was one of the first to great his good friend Jean-Luc Van Den Heede, after the French Skipper crossed the finish line after spending almost six months at sea.

At 73, Jean-Luc is now the oldest person in history to complete a single handed circumnavigation, overtaking the previous record set by Sir Robin at age 68 in the VELUX 5 OCEANS race. Sir Robin says: "I hand the baton over to Jean-Luc but I couldn't hand it over to a better person. I'm so pleased for Jean-Luc, it's great news."

One of nine sailors to compete in The Times Golden Globe Race, Sir Robin set off from Falmouth, with no sponsorship, on 14 June 1968, with many people writing him off before he even started. With his yacht, Suhaili, packed to the gunwales with supplies he set off on a voyage that was to last just over ten months. The only person to finish the challenge, he arrived back in Falmouth after 312 days at sea, on 22 April 1969, securing his place in the history books.

On April 22 of this year, Sir Robin and Suhaili will once again team up and return to Falmouth to celebrate the 50th anniversary of finishing the inaugural Golden Globe Race.

Related Articles

Clipper Round the World Yacht Race gets underway
The 2025-26 editiondeparted Portsmouth, UK, on Sunday A true test of human endeavour, 20 sailing professionals departed Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, on Sunday leading their ten teams, formed of non-professional sailors, on the eleven-month endurance challenge around the world. Posted on 4 Sep Everyday people set out on lifechanging race
Non-professional sailors embark on 40,000nm yacht race today Live event happening today - Non-professional sailors embark on 40,000nm yacht race. Posted on 31 Aug Family fun and a farewell to local legends
Join us at Gunwharf Quays for a fun-filled weekend of festivities Raced by people from all walks of life, including plumbers, teachers, chefs and former funeral directors, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race gets under way this Sunday 31 August from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Posted on 27 Aug UK Gov, Brand Scotland & Diageo enter Clipper Race
The event will be utilised as a global platform to boost economic growth The UK Government's Scotland Office (through Brand Scotland) and Oban Distillery (Diageo) have joined forces to partner with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as they launch team entry into the biennial event. Posted on 22 Aug 55% of professional Clipper Race line up are women
Sailing is a level playing field - with the ocean an equaliser On the 31 August, 20 sailing professionals will leave Portsmouth, leading their ten teams on an eleven-month endurance challenge around the world - and 55% of this line up are women. Posted on 19 Aug Clipper 2025-26 Race to return to Puerto Sherry
After tourism boosting debut visit The Finish Line of the opening stage of the Clipper 2025-26 Round the World Yacht Race will be set against the backdrop of El Puerto de Santa María as Puerto Sherry returns as a Host Port Partner for the international sailing event. Posted on 25 Jun Punta del Este announced as Clipper host port
4th time the city will host the Round the World Yacht Race fleet The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is set to return to Punta del Este, as the Uruguayan city is officially announced as a Host Port for the Clipper 2025-26 Race. Posted on 17 Jun Clipper Race announces Official Logistics Supplier
Warrant Group offers a deep understanding of the complex operational demands As it gears up for its 14th edition, the Clipper Race has announced that Warrant Group will be the Official Logistics Supplier for the upcoming circumnavigation, with the UK-based firm also making its racing debut with a team entry named in its honour. Posted on 13 Jun Clipper Race & UNICEF mark a decade of partnership
Fundraising efforts from race crew will continue to support UNICEF's work globally Today, the leading child rights organisation, UNICEF, was announced as a Team and Charity Partner of the Clipper Race once again. Posted on 6 May Clipper Race announces line up of First Mates
Each First Mate will assist their Race Skipper in leading their teams of non-professionals The Clipper Race First Mates who will be helping to lead a team in the toughest endurance challenge on the planet have been announced. Posted on 26 Apr
PredictWind - Offshore App 728x90 BOTTOMPalm Beach Motor YachtsCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTER
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2025 Sail-World Sail-World USA and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy