50th anniversary: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Golden Globe victory

22 April, 2019, marks an astounding 50 years since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, and his yacht, Suhaili, returned to Falmouth after an epic 312 days at sea, securing him in global history as the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world.

An inspiring story of the underdog who went on to inspire the nation and a generation of ocean racers, he was written off by most before he even started and faced many challenges along his journey. From raising his own funds and building his own yacht, to facing 80-foot waves in the remote Southern Ocean, battling appendicitis, carrying out repairs in shark infested waters, and eventually losing all radio contact. Robin was presumed lost at sea for over four months before being reported by a British tanker vessel just weeks from the finish line.

In celebration of this pioneering achievement in global sailing and adventure history, which took place during the year of the first moon landing; a programme of public celebration events will take place over Easter in Falmouth. These include a special parade of sail on Monday 22 April during which Sir Robin and Suhaili, escorted by a flotilla of supporting vessels, will recreate the historic moment they crossed the finish line, and returned home.

THURSDAY 18 APRIL

• 0800, Gosport Premier Marina:
  Sir Robin departs Hampshire for Falmouth on board Suhaili, which he has hand restored to its former glory. Interviews/photos available on departure.

SATURDAY 20 APRIL

• Sir Robin and Suhaili arrive to Falmouth with escorting flotilla: Timing TBD.

SUNDAY 21 APRIL

• 1200 midday: North Quay, Falmouth
  Sir Robin bronze footprint cast unveiled to mark his first steps back on land after 312 days at sea.
• In preparation for the anniversary sail tomorrow, a flotilla of supporting yachts will assemble at St Mawes. There are 40 mooring buoys for boats up to 12m; larger boats should contact the harbour master, Martin Bidmead, on 01326 270553 or email: info@stmawesharbour.co.uk.
• Evening: St Mawes Sailing Club, in conjunction with the Cruising Association, Little Ship Club and Clipper Ventures, welcome flotilla crews to the evening party at the St Mawes Sailing Club from 18:00 – 20:00; tickets are £25 including a donation to charity. For those not attending by boat you can also book a special charter ferry from Falmouth to St Mawes and back.

MONDAY 22 APRIL

• 0930 – 1130: National Maritime Museum Cornwall (NMMC): “In Conversation with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Mike Golding OBE.
  Opportunity to hear Sir Robin giving first-hand accounts of his epic voyage to one of the world’s most accomplished offshore sailors.
  Tickets available, £18 pp: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-conversation-with-sir-robin-knox-johnston-and-mike-golding-tickets-58288790341.The NMMC is also staging an exhibition from April 8 throughout the summer, exhibiting items and photographs from Sir Robin’s personal collection as well as a commemorative documentary that is currently in production.

• 13.00 – 16.00: Falmouth Harbour
  On the water spectacle involving Sir Robin and Suhaili, plus a flotilla of supporting vessels to re-enact the exact time (1525) Robin crossed the finish line and returned home.Supporting vessels are welcome to join Sir Robin and Suhaili on the water, or alternatively you can view the parade from the land, Pendennis being a great spot.