Bon Voyage, Robin

From The Independent:

It is 37 years since the sailor Robin Knox-Johnston became the first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the Earth.

But at the age of 67, he is returning to the seas for his first solo race since he beat the renowned French yachtsman Bernard Moitessier to the round-the-world Golden Globe title in 1969.

Sir Robin set off yesterday from Bilbao in Spain at the start of the 30,000-mile Velux 5 Oceans race, the oldest sailor of eight competitors from six countries.

I don't know Robin but I do know his brother Chris, of small boat insurer Haven Knox-Johnston, pretty well. We did some good business together back in the day. If Robin is at all like his brother then he's a gentleman and an eccentric gem of a friend. I hope he succeeds in at least completing the race - even more amazing if he wins.

Best of luck, Robin.