In 1968/69, Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person to sail around the world alone and without stopping on his ketch "Suhaili". To this day, his pioneering feat has found fewer imitators than that of the first man in space. There are several good reasons for this, as Sir Robin - elevated to the peerage for his sailing merits - explains in the new YACHT.
The now 72-year-old Brit knows what he's talking about. After all, he sailed a modern Open 60 around the world in the Velux 5 Oceans regatta four years ago. So if anyone can make a profound assessment of developments, it is the man from Portsmouth. He also explains conclusively why, despite all the technical developments, a non-stop solo around the world is still the greatest challenge an athlete can face. And explains how the nature of this journey has changed as a result of this progress - and not always for the better.
It is also very interesting how, in Sir Robin's opinion, the approach to such a regatta changes over the years. Among other things, he writes: "There is a time in life, it is the younger years, when the sense of immortality is not yet clouded by experience. The only thing you think about is seeing such a project through."
We introduce you to the protagonists of the Vendée Globe world regatta that has just started in Les Sables d'Olonne and weigh up who has what chances of being the first to arrive back on the French Atlantic coast in around three months' time.
