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 of the challenge of sailing non-stop solo around the world remain the same.' 'I am proud to have achieved this historic first. I am also pleased to be joined by so many of the British sailors who have followed in my footsteps. Although I am the last British skipper to win such a race around the world, there is such a huge pool of British offshore sailing talent. Having broken new ground in 1969, I am pleased not only to support the future professional sailing today via the Velux 5 Oceans race, but equally to encourage people from all walks of life to fulfill their dreams of racing across oceans by taking part in the Clipper Race.'