My Classic Boat. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Racing with Robin

Racing on board Suhaili with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. In this My Classic Boat exclusive, reporter Dick Durham and photographer Bob Aylott join Sir Robin for the first race of the 2016 Hamble Classics Regatta in the Solent. Suhuili is the 32.5ft ketch built in Bombay (1964) and then sailed none stop around the world by Robin in 1968/69. Copyright Bob Aylott. www.myclassicboat.com
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[@George-vf7ss]

I met him decades ago in Newport Beach, California where he autographed my dog-eared paperback of his round the world sail that I purchased at the LAX Airport in 1969 on my 1st trip to England. Lovely evening.

[@ceirwan]

Incredible to think that boat went around the world non-stop. I've read the story many a time, but you don't realise just how small Suhali is until you see it on the video. Max respect.

[@danielpaulson3631]

In my experience, this is a pretty good depiction of what sailing is actually like. I like the long shots, salty words, good company...

[@shanenewcombe1597]

Great footage such a legend I read his book when I was 12 loved it. I am now a ship Wright. Inspired by this man and many others😊

[@operatorjeffdeathstar7759]

Sailing her whilst restoring her, all at the same time is golden

[@maddocmucmaddocmuc5341]

I love this british spirit! Old boat, old salty dog of a sailor, the interior looks like an unfinished restauration project but he sailes the old lady like a devil! One of my many heros, a living legend. Chapeau!

[@iancharles4472]

Knox-Johnston gave his £5000 prize money (for fastest circumnavigation) to the family of Donald Crowhurst (the sailor who lost his mind and life whilst at sea), it was a huge amount of money at the time.

[@ladygardener100]

I'd no idea, how very generous. I met Robin when he was working at Troon marina, Suhailie was on the hard and I marvelled at his bravery crikey. He is indeed a man who has made his mark.

[@31Alden]

ian charles Yes he did. A true gentleman of character.

[@pseudapollodorus]

"He's all buckle, without the swash" - love it!

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

for fear (I've been here before, no problem) of shedding a tear,for this footage is dear to my heart,and with each puff of wind,crack of sail,and harp of the pipe... i'm so moved... so thank you to the sea,the polite crew, Robin and dear little Suhaili, and film star,Bob Aylott my deepest appreciation and you can be sure this is going into my treasure archieves

[@HakureiReimuOfficial]

Suhaili's got way more go than I thought. And the man is as much a legend as his legend portrays.

[@ianrees3231]

Met Sir Robin at Queenborough while he was waiting for the last of his yachts to arrive tough caring no nonsense guy loved our hot dogs ,Regards Ian Rees

[@Fun-hz8ep]

I had a 32ft ketch motorsailer, best sea boat I’ve ever owned, that boat is worth a Fortune They’re probably end up in the museum one day the history behind it’s amazing and the story to go with it so Robin nuts legend

[@alifeinspired7792]

I love watching this amazing man sail. I just read this article in Woodenboat magazine and it blew my mind when he was talking about when he was near New Zealand and an 80' wave struck Suhaili. He climbed the mast because he knew he wasn't going to make it back to the cabin and the boat was under water for a bit and all he could see for miles was the two masts of his boat. That takes an amazing man to live through that stuff. I salute him.

[@pjotr1338]

With all respect. On this video I see a complete different man as you describe. Very nervous and very outspoken. The crew was behaving more ¨Sir¨ like than he did. It needs men made out of steel to sail the world, but we should not romantisize it too much.

[@984francis]

@@pjotr1338 Well fuck, it was 50 years ago!

[@ImMora1]

@@pjotr1338 I don't see her describing the man himself in any way, she is simply telling what happened. And the fact that he might be nervous and outspoken is one of the very reasons why people hold him in such a high place. Because he acts like a normal person, and for what I have seen or heard, he doesn't hold himself higher than others. He seems to be a very humble man, who is thankful for what he's got. If romantizing his achievements helps people to find the courage to pursuit their dreams and make them reality, I say let people romantize all they want. In the end it will always be about the things you did and even more so about things you missed out on because you feared to fail. He sets a good example in that manner, giving people reason to dream and possibly a push towards achieving them. I bet he is not a perfect man. Hell, he might treat the people close to him like trash (which I kind of doubt as he had a daughter and a grandson with him on the video), but his legend gives people hope, and that itself is far more valuable than facts about his personality.

[@yojimbos1]

STFU lubber@@pjotr1338

[@Chiefmismaker]

@@pjotr1338 Do you know what he did and the details of this? He's an old man now. When he went round the world people thought it was as hard as going to the moon. To get to the moon the world built men rockets. RKJ sailed his little boat with a barometer, sextant, broken radio, tinned food and a few beers. No wonder people think "sir".

[@nonnius2861]

Had the opportunity to work on Mr Knox Johnston's behalf in 2017 for my company. True gentleman, very polite and practical when we corresponded.

[@adriansayers7002]

Rambunctious old duffer - love him!

[@31Alden]

Nothing sweeter than seeing dear Suhaili under sail. One can only imagine Sir Robin’s thoughts each and every time he steps foot aboard Suhaili and takes her out for a sail. This video is such a treat! Well done.

[@andrew097]

He looks completely at ease in that environment.

[@nathanbenton2051]

so moderate winds and what...7 people on board for helping with whatever. he did it all. single-handedly for months in the southern ocean. i'll never be able to come close to wrapping my head around what that was like.

[@SaveWesternCivilisation]

The low kevel murmur of swear words indicate how seriously he takes even a simple race like this. He may be in an older boat, but by Jove he's going to do his damndest. Ruddy good stuff, wot!

[@Knapweed]

A great British Gentleman and a fantastic sailor with a brave little boat that was the first yacht, of any size, to sail around the world non-stop. It exemplifies true courage, grit and skill in an age where these attributes count for far less than celebrity.

[@31Alden]

Knapweed Great comment - Thank you.

[@jquest43]

Poofters all..we Aussies are the real men of the sea.!!

[@lazarus1313]

All those people and scratching radios makes me enjoy solitude even more .

[@terryhagan7694]

i don't know how many books i have from Sir Robin, must be a few, from his books i have learnt a lot and still sail when i can. met him in Southampton in about 92/3, he gave a lecture in the Southampton Hylton which was great. A National Hero.............................

[@primus7776]

Just finished "A Voyage for Madmen". Fascinating to see this heroic man and his lovely, restored boat.

[@Schoonertack]

This means so much to me. I am so glad to add to my favourites. Suhaili goes well. Wishing Sir Robin All the best.

[@wallacelux]

Oh jolly marvellous! Simply smashing voyage ..! Next year I shall endeavour to visit the old girl indeed

[@allofus6133]

That man has more energy and courage than any man, regardless of his age.

[@aussieoffroader1974]

This man is my hero!!

[@michaelvanwinkle7919]

Wonderful to see Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in action, even though it was a short course race.

[@jupitorious7925]

old school, always the best, character.. like fine wine

[@31Alden]

So much respect for this lovely man.

[@carlsails58]

Legend for sure!!! Salute Sir Robin and Suhaili!!!

[@rolandpeachie9807]

I really enjoyed watching a legend ...Thanks for the video!

[@zuikography]

Brilliant. How lucky to be skippered by the legendary Sir Robin (learning from an absolute master). Thanks for sharing. Also, great work on the channel... I've spent many of hours watching your videos. Looking forward to future uploads.

[@lucaselkins723]

I owned one of these boats for a year. I used it as a live-aboard in San Diego. It was a 1967 Angleman Ketch. I was restoring it to glory as I'm a woodworker. I sold it due to unforseeen circumstances about six years ago. I hope it sails...

[@catchagrip.9468]

Remarkable man, they don't build them like that anymore.

[@markmahan6768]

What a beautifully well done piece! I love it.....steady on mates.....

[@user-wz2qe2pv6r]

Love im. Reminds me of some of the old sailors my dad knew. Could read a sky, the sea the smell in their nostrils and would say what they were thinking. Brilliant stuff.

[@hellohellohello6847]

Legend!! Him and boat!!

[@carlsails58]

Pleasure to watch. A real hero for all time!

[@theodorebowers9737]

Cool really enjoy this I like the idea that boat being unfinished and useful work in progress looks like it could really be nice looks like he's doing great work I am a finisher by trade woodworker 7 years old looks like he may know what he's doing with the wood nicely done I bet it's going to be beautiful if he doesn't nice job can't wait to see it done if I ever do

[@PatrickHill-gy5pf]

Amazing, thank you very much 🥰

[@daedster1]

This is a great vid of a beautiful yacht and crew, thank you for posting.

[@ruipedrosilveira9807]

Thaks for all i´ve learn with you !!! You are my hero!!!

[@CessBee123]

swears like a true sailor

[@BillSikes.]

Sir Robin, I Salute You

[@erichschinzel6486]

Indeed, well done

[@andrewshrimpton1150]

What a lovely video and what a great day it was Andrew shrimpton (andrew Simpson in the video )

[@lorenzom7237]

:-)

[@barrysonha7539]

thanks for sharing wonderful but wonderful people

[@jbirsner]

Peter Nichol's "A Voyage for Madmen" is a great read about the first Golden Globe Race--which Sir Robin won. Check it out if you don't know it.

[@lionofsteel]

reading it at this moment

[@henrymorgan3982]

You can say you met Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, you can say you saw Suhuili, but to race with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on Suhuili is just over the top. It is as close as you get to going around the world, but not really doing it!

[@highwatercircutrider]

With the British love for Sir Robin and dear old Suhaili (myself included), could someone over there please donate a new proper wood tiller handle to him, lol! ......Cheers from America from Gary aboard s/v Paladin in Michigan

[@mjcooke2sailingmostly]

Someone mentions Ken and Vigilant. I used to chat to him at Port Penrhyn, Bangor, North Wales where he kept Vigilant in the early nineties. I had a tour of the boat that was his home for many years.

[@ruaridhmacdonald3543]

Note Sir Robin in a T shirt and everyone else in oilies- says it all- the man is still hard as nails.

[@CaptMarkSVAlcina]

Nice work on a legend boat and man

[@ferhomme96]

that's one reason why folks sail alone.

[@user-qi5qy2pb9c]

Ну рассмешили...с подъёмом грота. А с бизанью и подавно! Давно мы с Вами не виделись, Сэр Робин. Good Luck anyway!

[@michaelfarinola5044]

Awesome!

[@barrybark3995]

when he starts shouting the crew duck down into their shells!

[@BRYKS22]

At one time I wanted to put a reef in my mizzen, but later didn't think it was necessary. Now I wonder what kind of difference it would have made lol.

[@CessBee123]

Spoken like a true sailor

[@petermeier7255]

hi robin,i meet in the 80th in the bombay yacht club the new owner of the yard.his main problem was,his laberor worked in the gulf-states.burma teak was still cheap on the second market. so i have my vertue 2 no.34 built 93 with bossoms and still sail heir, but singelhanded and when i retire she will have a place in the garden.nice to see that boats with pedegrie survice.

[@henrymorgan3982]

LEGEND.

[@rasulamin3640]

Sulu island Mindanao... Thank about yours..

[@johnmartlew5897]

And....he did it in a wooded boat!

[@aluma5207]

My homage Sir Robin

[@ExploringCabinsandMines]

I would like a video of the boat itself.

[@TheBeaker59]

Must be the camera angles but she just looks bigger than 32.5 ft, well until the camera goes down below. I can see there's allot of work in progress there. love the boat.

[@louissanderson719]

The most manly provisions

[@michaelgothenburg364]

A true hero. The 3,000 cigarettes he brought were important :)

[@LinuxUser119]

Fantastic man

[@TheByard]

Sir Robin sailed round the world single handed, he wanted 3 things when he arrived back in the UK. A pint of beer, a steak and a shower in that order, but what did he get delayed by a woman and her hair do. I don't know but it figures some how!!!! Had the pleasure having dinner with Sir Robin when he attended the Association Of Dunkirk Little Ship, Return to Dunkirk 2005. My family and I were quite shocked when he introduced himself.

[@ross82]

I swear like a legend too!

[@fosbury68]

RFK was not US Attorney General in 1968. He was a US Senator from New York.

[@carlsails58]

You don’t know squat. His brother appointed him AG in Jan ‘61 and he held that post until Sep ‘64.

[@erabreu]

AWESOME!

[@austingode]

What a dude ......!

[@tommypetraglia4688]

I've always asked if a sailor knows which is the last time he handles his boat. Is it a detrimenant "This is it, one last time?"... or comes ashore expecting more but never casts off again? I for one would perfer the latter as knowing the end is much too painful At least I could spend the rest of my days promising myself another day under sail come tomorrow

[@clintdavis4813]

This guy sailed around the world and he pulling his mainsail up going downwind.

[@carlsails58]

Yep! Your point? He could school you on a few things.

[@vidguy007]

I get scared looking at that wire halyard winch on the mizzenmast 1969 technology at it’s worst

[@kevnwarriner8819]

This year's Golden Globe Race has a South African Lady called Kristen taking part abroad Cape George 36, it's the first time that a Cape George has Sailed in the race and Kristen spent a year refitting Her on Prince Edward Island, the Yachts name is fairly well known, Minnie HaHa, I recognised it and I think you Guys will to because she was built around 1981 she's had her Chain Plates sorted out, Her Beams and Bulwarks which were always a problem on the Older Cape George Yachts that caused the Devil Seem to leak (Between the Hull and Deck) and Kristen has done an interview last weekend with a KZbin Channel that I follow called "Sailing Magic Carpet" which is the name of their Yacht/Boat and they are fitting out a Cape George too

[@carlsails58]

You should follow the GGR2022. She’s doing quite well so far but it is only close to 20 days so far.

[@Box52222]

give him a wine and its all calm

[@kz4506]

I saw his boat parked out side the UKSA in cowes looking a bit worst for ware. , seems like they don’t wan to know them after the sail , there mucking about setting the boat up just for a spin around the cans bang the crew on the rail make em get wet and sail the boat hard

[@Antipodean33]

When I swear i'm called gutter mouth, Sir Robin swears and it's "robust language"

[@antonyloach4811]

legend

[@pennyblack1]

Antony Loach I

[@poly_hexamethyl]

I thought the Suhuili got mounted in concrete in a museum somewhere? Is this a replica or the real one? It looks a lot fresher than the weather-beaten survivor that went around the world. And the self-steering vanes are missing?

[@carlsails58]

This is the original. The powers that be had Suhaili on display in a museum for several years and it made him ill watching her dry rot. So he got her back and lovingly restored her. There’s a video somewhere here of that.

[@tomturner4037]

Are you thinking of gypsy moth IV?

[@johnlaccohee-joslin4477]

I wou.d dearly like to know what the instrument is being played as backgound music , its a form of pipes but i have not heard before but has a lovely sound to it, almost like a voice.????

[@wysiwyg2006]

I have seen him a few times at the club im with, Erith Yacht Club. Never spoke to him as didnt want to sound like a fool. I also have that exact same looking oil lamp come with the Jeanneau Sundream I just got recently. I was going to bin the lamp as i want all modern LED lighting no old stuff. Is it worth much?

[@patrickwentz8413]

NO! For Fucks Sake! Awesome!

[@zinurineofosu5554]

blesd you sir

[@MrBluoct]

Legend

[@johnblair2939]

I thought Francis Chichester was the first to sail single handed around the world in 66?

[@lordofthemound3890]

He stopped once for refitting. Sir Robin was the first to do it non-stop.

[@austingode]

Ok .... this is giving me anxiety..... I hate racing, the last time I raced the neighbors crashed into another boat and the helmsman died.... the boat was lost on the islands outside of Cannes due to utter incompetence....

[@lowcountrydawg2525]

Looks like too many cooks in the kitchen on the boat here. Step aside and let RKJ manage the boat.

[@redbird1824]

There seems to be a problem getting underway---There is a woman onboard!Throw the strumpet overboard and the seas will calm.Seriously speaking jesting aside Robin Knox is a class act!!Giving his reward money to the unfortunate family of the competitor lost at sea-what a gem of a Godly man!Love him.One of the finest sailors Britain ever produced[and they produced many!]The American whaler though took the ball and ran with it !!Montessier had webbed toes though in a class of his own.

[@jameslittlewood7663]

"Only British yacht to have won a round the world race" lol

[@Coyotehello]

I could never identified with Johnston , there is something about him taking all the glory while consistently ignoring that he had been beaten by Moitessier before Moitessier decided to quit. Johnston could still have gotten all the glory of finishing the race but could have the seamanship and gentleman attitude of acknowledging he was not the fastest around the world. Moitessier remains in my mind the true hero the one who embodied the spirit of that race.

[@Alsatiagent]

Moitessier's decision was his own and he did not complain about it. He can be proud of his reasons for quitting, so very philosophical, so very French! RKJ received the glory but not the prize money. He gave it to Donald Crowhurst's widow who had lost her husband and was about to lose her home. There lies the glory.

[@Coyotehello]

Thanks, reading my earlier comment it reads a bit harsh which was not my intent at all, ''something got lost in the translation'. Regardless of their reason, they were/are all man bigger than nature.

[@petemogi]

Is this the same RKJ who donated his £50k winnings (1968 don't forget) to the family of tragically lost competitor Donald Crowhurst who you accuse of taking all the glory. In my mind he deserves the glory.

[@carlsails58]

He has always been a very humble man! And Bernard wrote him in 1981 telling him that he was three weeks behind him and could not have caught him. Bernard gave him that because so many “know it alls” said we will never know if RKJ would have won if Bernard had kept to the race.

[@romanjansen8865]

Not True!!! Where is Bernard Moitessier referred....?!

[@sailingspindriftgp8496]

Moitessier chose not to finish. His book about the race is sheer poetry.

[@Mme.Swisstella]

Why is he flying the denmarkian flag on the stern

[@jxoch]

Can someone recommend a good waterproof footwear that has a good grip. Especially for this kind of occasion pls :) Thanks in advance

[@johnschofield2818]

Özgür Say : Get yourself a pair of Jalatte rigger boots. 20% the price of the poncy stuff and likely, twice the durability.

[@jxoch]

thanks

[@michaelrustom1]

Dubarry boots from Ireland

[@MilesCobbett]

In Alaska we wear BF Goodrich Extra-Tough rubber boots for their superior ability to grip an often wet or icy deck.

[@GhastBustersX]

Check out bernard montsea

[@barrysonha7539]

I meant wonderful people and wonderful boat this predictive writing is not all perfect