Legendary Man: Knight of the 20th Century Robin Knox-Johnston

Legendary Man: Knight of the 20th Century Robin Knox-Johnston

In 1969, he became the first person to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the world and came in second in Jules Verne Trophy.

He made his first boat himself when he was 5 years old, from a cardboard box, which instantly sank to the bottom as soon as the boy stepped on board.

In 1962, he married his childhood friend Susan (Sue), whom he had known since he was eight. While he was at sea, they had a daughter, Sarah. But, in 1967, he and his wife divorced. And after 5 years they got married again. They now have 5 grandchildren. In 2003, his Sue passed away.

Legendary man: English yachtsman Robin Knox-Johnston

June 14, 1968 Robin Knox-Johnston left Falmouth on his 9-meter Suhayli, the smallest of the boats that took part in Sunday globe race... Despite the loss of autopilot off the coast of Australia, it managed to circumnavigate Cape Horn on January 17, 1969, 20 days ahead of its main competitor. Bernard Moitessierwho retired and went to Tahiti. The other seven competitors were eliminated at various stages, leaving Knox-Johnston as the sole contender for the win.

On April 22, 1969, at 3:30 a.m., covering the distance in 313 days and becoming the first person in the world to walk around the world without stopping or anyone's help, Johnston donated his prize money to the family Donald Crowhurstwho committed suicide after attempting to falsify a voyage around the world.

For this act, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (CBE). And the Queen of England personally knighted him.

On October 22, 2006, when he turned 67, a solo round the world started - Velux 5 oceans... Eight of the best skippers from around the world set off on a solo voyage of 30 thousand miles on yachts of the class Open 60 and Open 50... Of course, he could not resist the temptation.

Start Velux 5 oceans was given in the Spanish city of Bilbao, from where the participants had to walk to Fremantle (Australia), then to Florida (USA), and return back to Bilbao. There were only two stops for the entire race. As a result, Robin Knox-Johnston took fourth place.

People like Johnston deserve respect and admiration. They are a role model. Heroes. Legends.

20.03.2016