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Historic Hat-Trick For Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Posted 7 months, 9 days ago

Historic Hat-Trick For Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
Copyright: onEdition HISTORIC HAT-TRICK FOR SIR ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSTON Record-breaking sailor wins UK Yachtsman of the Year title for the third time but only just. Sir Robin won the title by a single vote. Personally, I saw Sir Robin arrive in Gosport with a boat in bits and to be honest I thought that the work required to get the boat ready for a round the world race and Sir robin’s age would be his undoing. During his time at sea his tales of woe and mirth were great to read and he is not just a true ambassador of the sport but also of human endeavour, Bloody well done! Press release from Tim Kelly below.. Clipper Ventures Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, CBE, today cemented his reputation as one of the most iconic sailors in history when he was awarded the Raymarine / YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award 2008. Following his amazing exploits in last year’s VELUX 5 OCEANS, a single-handed race around the world race, he made history yet again as he claimed the title of UK Yachtsman of the Year for an unprecedented third time. Sir Robin first won the accolade in 1969 in recognition of his achievement in becoming the first man to sail solo and non-stop around the world in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. In 1994 he was awarded the title for a second time with Peter Blake for the fastest circumnavigation to win the Jules Verne Trophy. The prestigious Yachtsman of the Year trophy was presented to Sir Robin by Peter Blake’s widow, Lady Pippa Blake, at a gala luncheon in the magnificent Painted Hall, Greenwich. On receiving the award Sir Robin said: “I wasn’t expecting this, it has come as a complete surprise.” Nominated alongside disabled sailor Geoff Holt, Skandia GBR Team members Sarah Ayton, Sarah Webb and Pippa Wilson, and fellow VELUX 5 OCEANS competitor Mike Golding, Sir Robin said it was a tremendous honour to be chosen from such a great group of people. “It is the UK’s top yachting trophy and something I’m very proud of winning.” The prestigious award, which is elected by a ballot of members of the Yachting Journalists’ Association following nominations received from members of the boating public, reflects the huge popularity of the legendary mariner after he finished the gruelling 30,000 miles of the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2006-07. Sir Robin entered the classic yacht race onboard his IMOCA Open 60 Saga Insurance, and inspired people around the world by taking on and completing ‘The Ultimate Solo Challenge’ in his sixties, celebrating his 68th birthday whilst at sea alone. Peter Methven, President of the British Marine Federation, said he was delighted to bestow a lifetime award of honorary membership to Sir Robin for his outstanding services to yachting and the British Marine Industry. Copyright: onEdition “Over many years Sir Robin has promoted boating in the United Kingdom. His sense of adventure, bravery and common-sense approach to seamanship, plus his extraordinary determination has been a magnificent example to the younger generation,” Methven said. Full Story »

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