Messing About In Sailboats

Postscript - On RKJ Day

Frankly I was blown a way by the participation yesterday. I counted 37 blog posts, tons of tweets and Facebook posts, over 150 members of the FB group, a slew of great comments. There were contributions from the UK, US, Sweden, Belgium, Caribbean. The Facebook members spread further. The insight and warmth in these contributions is absorbing. I am still immersing myself in them now. This is a testament to the huge goodwill that there is towards Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. To Brits like me, the connection is obvious. He is a British hero in the true British sense. He is a down-to-earth, unassuming and approachable guy who stunned the community by what he accomplished. I am sure he is blushing at the adulation. To the sailing community at larges and especially in the UK, he is held in the highest esteem for what he has done for our sport and... Read more →

Robin Knox-Johnston Day - Facebook Wall Part Deux

Robin Knox-Johnston Day - Evening Post

As RKJ Day winds down here are some posts I missed earlier The superb Threesheetsnorthwest blog explains why RKJ is an inspiration. The aptly named Old Salts Blog details all of RKJ's accomplishments including his victory in the Jules Verne race with Sir Peter Blake. Gill of the Post and Courier in Charleston did a great bit that includes a cool print-out of Suhaili. And this post from the Italian blog Yacht&sail It was also picked up by Yachting Monthly in the UK and the Humber Yawl Club (although I don't think this was elated to this shindig) I also want to give Timmynocky a special thanks for posting awareness of RJK Day on various groups like this one. Read more →

Robin Knox-Johnston Day - More from the Twittersphere

Sir Robin's Celebration in London

The 40th anniversary of the Sunday Times Golden Globe was celebrated today in London at St Katherine's Dock. In attendance were other Great British solo circumnavigators Dee Cafari and Steve White. Here is what RKJ had to say: 'I am delighted to mark the anniversary of my victory in the Golden Globe. Forty years ago nobody knew whether sailing alone around the world was even possible – but it was a time of change and adventure, as man landed on the moon and we extended the frontiers of possibility. Of the nine starters in that inaugural race, I was the only one to cross the finish line. Completing the race onboard Suhaili was an important moment in pushing the boundaries of our sport.' 'So much has changed since then, in terms of the size and speed of the boats, as well as the technology. However, the harsh realities and dangers... Read more →