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 support vessels, will recreate the historic moment they crossed the finish line, and returned home.
