Interview: the amazing story of Sir Robert Knox Johnston, the first man to sail solo around the world
The first man to sail solo around the world without stopping might be 77 – but he’s lost none of his competitive edge
- Words by: Adam Thorn
The first man to sail solo around the world without stopping might be 77 – but he’s lost none of his competitive edge
The first man to sail solo around the world without stopping might be 77 – but he’s lost none of his competitive edge
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world, is taking a drag of a cigarette while deep in conversation with Gentleman’s Journal’s designer. We’re huddled around, post-photoshoot, on a pontoon in St. Katherine dock, south-east London, and he’s lamenting coming third in a solo transatlantic race he took part in some 18 months ago. His performance made international headlines because, at the age of 75, he deftly beat 18 far younger sailors in his class. Of course, he didn’t expect to win, he rants, but he’s still bloody annoyed he never snagged second.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world, is taking a drag of a cigarette while deep in conversation with Gentleman’s Journal’s designer. We’re huddled around, post-photoshoot, on a pontoon in St. Katherine dock, south-east London, and he’s lamenting coming third in a solo transatlantic race he took part in some 18 months ago. His performance made international headlines because, at the age of 75, he deftly beat 18 far younger sailors in his class. Of course, he didn’t expect to win, he rants, but he’s still bloody annoyed he never snagged second.
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| Clubhouse Membership | |
|---|---|
| Two Magazines per yearDelivered to your door | |
| Full Access to Paywall contentAccess to all member-only online features | |
| Membership Cardto redeem all the perks. | |
| Members Invites to Exclusive Eventsto private Clubhouse events | |
| Weekly newsletter Straight to your inbox | |
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