Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

[DavidB.UK]

Hello to all.

Just curious how many members have read the book 'A world of my own' by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston?


First person to circumnavigate the globe single handed!
This was done in the 60's way before sat nav or satellite telephones or so many other modern devices we all take for granted these days.

The book chronicles his epic voyage, written from his journals on-board.
Amazing read for anybody who hasn't read it.

My father bought it for me for a birthday present a number of years ago. I found it inspirational but I think it put my father off ocean sailing.

Maybe i'll talk him into joining me when I embark on my first crossing???
We will just have to 'sea' what happens...

[jackdale]

Read it years ago. It is interesting to compare how much time he took, versus the current vessels.

[DavidB.UK]

Really?

I'm new to big boat sailing and haven't done an ocean crossing... YET.

How long would the same voyage take now?
what innovations are the time difference due to?

I remember he mentioned in the boom two fellow competitors who were in longer/faster boats but they both got into difficulties and did not continue.

[tommays]

The record is always getting pushed by faster boats and i cant find the American guys name right now but he is the one who REALLY did the first HUGE cut in time in the 60 something day range or less ? like 57

[jackdale]

313 days in 1968 / 69

In 2006 he did it in 159 days.

[treilley]

Your next book should be "A Voyage for Madmen" which chronicles the entire Golden Globe and follows all the sailors.



Amazon.com: A Voyage for Madmen (9780732275921): Peter Nichols: Books


Many other books have been written about this race but I believe this one to be the best.

A good movie to watch after reading the book is "Deep Water" which is a documentary about Donald Crowhurst, who was one of the more interesting competitors.



Amazon.com: open water - Movies & TV

[jackdale]

Check the Jule Verne Trophy site

Jules Verne Trophy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The current record is 48 days 7 hours 44 minutes 52 seconds (Franck Cammas, France)

Sir Robin and Sir Peter Blake held the record in 1994 74 days 22 hours 17 minutes 22 seconds on ENZA New Zealand. I saw the boat in Seattle once.

[jackdale]

Do not want to put a damper on things, but single-handed sailing of this sort is generally thought to be a violation of Rule 5 of Colregs.

The current trend of children trying to set the age record is just irresponsible.

[/rant]

[Harborless]

Sailing the Farm

That book will serve you well. Whether you are out for a day or a year, Sailing the Farm will make sure you are well supplied and if you so desire, totally independent.

The book is hard to find.. Expensive too. If you ever get the chance to get a copy I would urge you to do so.

[DavidB.UK]

Thank you everybody

Some new books added to the shopping list!

I can't believe the time difference between the original and the current records. WOW!