Sir Robin Knox-Johnston is a British sailor born on March 17, 1939. He is best known for becoming the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe in 1969. This remarkable feat earned him a place in maritime history.

Knox-Johnston’s passion for the sea and sailing developed at a young age, and he went on to pursue it as a lifelong vocation. From 1957 to 1968, he served in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Naval Reserve. In 1965, he sailed his William Atkins design ketch Suhaili from Bombay to England. Her design is based on the Norwegian sailing lifeboat designs of Colin Archer.

Due to a lack of money he had to interrupt his voyage for work in South Africa as Master of a coaster and stevedoring and was only able to complete it in 1967. In 1968, he was one of nine sailors who attempted to achieve the first solo non-stop circumnavigation of the world in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. He was the third sailor to start the race, and the only one to complete the voyage.

In addition to his pioneering circumnavigation, Knox-Johnston has had a long and illustrious career in sailing. He has participated in various yacht races and competitions, including the Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as the Volvo Ocean Race). He was also a founder and later the chairman of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, a biennial event that allows amateur sailors to experience the challenges of long-distance ocean racing.

Knox-Johnston has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to sailing, including being knighted in 1995 for his services to boating. His accomplishments continue to inspire sailors and adventurers around the world.

According to the Internet