description Robin Knox-Johnston Overview
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is a British sailor who became the first person to complete a solo, nonstop circumnavigation of the world under sail. He departed in 1968 and returned in 1969 aboard Suhaili, a wooden ketch, winning the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race after 312 days at sea. He later participated in other ocean races and helped establish the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, through which amateur crews compete on professionally organized circumnavigation legs.
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Robin Knox-Johnston ranks #16 of 180 in the Explorer ranking, behind Juan Sebastián Elcano, ahead of Jacques Piccard.
help Robin Knox-Johnston FAQ
Why did Robin Knox-Johnston win the 1968 Golden Globe Race?
He was the only entrant to complete the race's required solo, nonstop circumnavigation. He returned to Falmouth in 1969 after 312 days at sea.
What kind of boat was Suhaili?
Suhaili was a traditional wooden ketch built in India from teak. Knox-Johnston sailed the 32-foot vessel around the world without making a port stop.
Did Robin Knox-Johnston receive prize money for the Golden Globe Race?
He won the Sunday Times trophy for the first nonstop solo circumnavigation. He donated the £5,000 prize for the fastest voyage to the family of Donald Crowhurst.
Did Knox-Johnston race around the world again after Suhaili?
Yes, he continued ocean racing long after the 1968 voyage and later competed in the VELUX 5 Oceans race in his late sixties. He also co-founded the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which uses crews of amateur sailors.
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