Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature (TV)

[@PeterPan-iz1kk]

Excellent documentary! Perhaps THE best on Robin Knox-Johnston. Thanks! 🙂

[@MikeFloutier]

Well, there are KZbin videos and there are KZbin videos. This one, like it’s subject, is in a class of its own. Thank you! I read “The Lonely Sea and the Sky” many times and letter on Sir Robin’s book and Ellen MacArthur’s. Finally, at 62, I bought a little trailer sailer, got my Day Skipper and eventually sailed solo from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly. Not round the world, but it was an adventure for me. Thank you Sir Robin! ⛵️🍾❤️ PS. And thank you Neil!

[@dhouse-d5l]

Last of the old school men of the sea. Tough, resourceful, fearless, exceptional.

[@coldisle]

The kindness that he showed the Crowhurst family says everything about this man. I’m old enough to have seen every great space voyage (Shepard, Apollo 11, etc etc) and was also completely mesmerized by Chichester’s remarkable one stop voyage…but for me, nothing captivated my imagination like Sir Robin’s remarkable acheivement (as well as the other parts of this story (Moitessier, Tetley, Crowhurst, Ridgeway, etc..) It was, and is just a remarkable story for The Ages. Thank you for providing this great documentary.

[@sailingoctopus1]

His voyage still ranks as one of the greatest achievements in maritime history. A remarkable combination of skill, endurance and determination.

[@willandaflantua1348]

Your nature drive is the forse for my journey sailing around the world. Thank you so much Sir Knox- Jonston!

[@TechnikMeister2]

There is something about sailing out into the deep ocean and the only sounds you hear are the rush of the water as you glide over it and the whisper of the wind in the sails and rigging. You become part of nature. Time stands still and the days and nights come and go and you are enveloped in the power of nature around you. You realise that you are powerless to do anything but absorb it. If you let it, you enter a world where even on the roughest day, you feel somehow safe. I sailed from Sydney to Chile via the southern route and it changed me. With my companion, a friend of 50 years, we rarely needed to speak as our world became the sea and the boat. He used to sit on the deck, leaning with his back against the mast for many hours and he said he was in another existence. That's sailing. One overnight trip on a calm night is all it takes to grab you.

[@metalectrique4048]

Sir Robin is a man with that rare combination of grit, skill, courage, good humour and kindness. What a great example to follow.

[@BobbyIronsights]

Came to leave a comment, couldn't have said it better. Huzzah Sir Robin. Huzzah!

[@laxmannate07]

Couldn’t have said it better

[@Luzviminda777]

He looks like a friend of mine , another force of nature , kindred spirits . God bless your life , love , honesty and charity is the law , and you passed it.

[@STONEDARTphotos]

God bless you for helping the Crowhurst family.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Robin Knox-Johnston's ability to win the inaugural solo around the race is a staggering achievement but what really stands this man apart from many is his innate humility and humanitarianism. He would still be worthy of knighthood if his nautical endeavours only went as far as pushing a toy boat around a bathtub.

[@mattklein8885]

Mans Man

[@ushoys]

He gave them the money before Crowhurst’s deception was discovered. Of course his family had no part in that.

[@AirstripBum]

@@mattklein8885 True

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Thank you for this video.

[@michaelcassidy1864]

I recently, close to 70 years in my youthful age, completed a life long dream by sailing for 44 days as a deckhand on a 100 year old bark from Europe, across the Atlantic, down the east coast of Brazil, then into Montevideo. Next year I'll be running away form the bulls, not, as it is incorrectly called "running with the bulls" in Pamplona Spain. Always carpe diem. That's precisely what Know -Johnston did. And he did it with style and noble class.

[@mhd5826]

Did you survive the bulls? Kudos to you!

[@johnmcalinden4293]

A living hero, makes one realise how much is possible.

[@evanofelipe]

I have great respect for Robin Knox-Johnson on account of his magnificent and generous gesture of donating his prize money to Donald Crowhurst’s family following the sad discovery that DC was lost at sea, presumed dead, a fellow competitor.

[@georgesbonellodupuis8245]

What a legend. I met Sir Robin in Malta in October when we invited him to Malta for the 50th Anniversary of the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Such a gentleman.

[@stumccreadie1287]

Bernard Moitessier is my idol. But I sure respect the hell out of R.K.J. Thank you for posting this.

[@bronsky1410]

Bernard is my spiritual guru

he was a living legend, that one. nah, I'm just going to keep sailing for another half circumnavigation because why not. screw the race, I'm going to go find myself. absolute genius.

[@kavikafl9345]

What an honor to be introduced to Sir RKJ by my mate Bruce Maxwell at Hawaii Yacht Club...in the bar of course!

[@CinemaDemocratica]

In another version of this story, he gives what -- to me, at least -- is one of the very, very few truly inspirational quotes, literally words I try to live by: "Every time I got despondent and thought about packing it in, I would say the same thing, I would say, 'I've no right to let the me down, who has gotten me this far.' "

[@jonathanjames2469]

Well, I'm really glad I watched this.

[@thecasualcitizen492]

I read his book many years ago. This documentary does a great job of showing the man and his qualities that allowed him to make the extraordinary voyage. Inspiring.

[@funnystuff9998]

Courage of tidal proportions backed up by self belief in the experience he'd gleaned from his time at sea, saw this man do something that is still considered, and always will be, bloody hard to achieve. Good mini-doco BBC.

[@daveevans8256]

What a wonderful man, I followed his journey in the newspaper, then bought his book , what a wonderful read. I take my hat off to you Sir Robin. Thank you.👍🇬🇧

[@jupitorious7925]

brilliant documentary, a true old school Brit ! thanks for uploading

[@henrymorgan3982]

First in class. Sir Robin Knox Johnston.

[@kenscrackofdoom599]

I read his book and I have watched as much as I can about this incredible British hero. I now have a small boat and sail. Sir Robin is a beautiful, fearless and generous man. An inspiration.

[@naish73gn]

Amazing story and a Happy end!!! Well done Sir R.K.J Plus a Hug x

[@carlsails58]

Thank you very much for putting this up. Never underestimate the underdog. He was NO underdog for sure!!! Salute Sir Robin Knox Johnston! Much respect! And Suhaili...what a jewel she was!

[@philipritson8821]

Is! Suhaili has been restored.

[@carlsails58]

@@philipritson8821 for sure.

[@philipritson8821]

@@carlsails58 Suhaili survived the southern ocean whereas so many of entrants in the Golden Globe Race haven't.

[@markhigginson7597]

What a man. I poop myself out in Weymouth Bay in a F6. Outstanding documentary to watch if you are into sailing.

[@cptsky47]

Wonderful enthusiasm and motivation for others to get out and do what they want and need to be fufilled humans. And, the fact that he shows such class and courage as well as his marvelous act of giving the prize money to the Crowherst family, well that makes him a real and true Hero for all, and for me.

[@jaymorgan8013]

What a legend! 🇬🇧

[@gilleslebourdonnec4542]

Navigateur du dimanche, j'ai un respect sans limite pour ce marin.j'ai lu son livre"313 jours pour une victoire"

[@doit9854]

If I'm not mistaken, this man battled lightning, hull breaches, and sharks within a 24 hour period while in the middle of the ocean by himself. The mad lad then decided to go back around the world again. Legend.

[@stojanrazen91]

I'm impressed the way he has done the journey and the way he has perform the interwieu. My Comliments !

[@gerrantangye9697]

Lovely to watch. Thank you Neil.

[@alexs.9261]

Awesome human being!

[@bobquigley1957]

What an extraordinary thing! An inspiration to an entire generation of yachtsmen.

[@Makermook]

Fantastic story, and well presented. This man is an inspiration.

[@tommiller8416]

Outstanding video and interview, thank you Neil, Sir Robin and Suhaili!

[@timdaniel5395]

"Where from?" asked Falmouth Customs …… "Falmouth" I replied. ----- fantastic!

[@georgecanakis1075]

Just an incredible story of will, perceiverance and the drive to live the fullest. I really enjoyed it and god bless.

[@mrsbaylocksvideoemporium9621]

perseverance

[@andreykirsanov9551]

Great interview, and great achievments. Thank you so much for this. Respect to Sir Robin, so much inspiration you give to people around you.

[@Jmmondeau]

Yes he is my hero. And I follow his ethics's. I am Jean Mondeau, the enabler. I help people realize their sailing dreams and my only rewards are their happy faces from their accomplishments that started with my help. And it's wonderful to know that Sir Robin also feels this. It's is a true life well spent. It is better to give than to receive. Try it and you will see.

[@hensonlaura]

Perhaps you are also somewhat rewarded by blowing your own horn & a presumed sense of moral superiority. "Try it and you will see", indeed.

[@snacklofter]

Superb! Thank you.

[@rudbeckia885]

Taberly,Johnston, Coles, montisier amongst others who motivated myself to sail for many years and finally to teach youngsters the art

[@hanspaabor3226]

They say never meet your heroes. I broke that rule attending an RKJ lecture about 25 years ago. You can throw that rule away. He was every bit as great in person.

[@gordonfrickers5592]

Part of the inspiring story of a cool, real man, Robin Knox-Johnston. Thank you BBC and thank you for posting this exceptional programme. You may notice one painting appears in this film more than any other? Robin named the painting "Roaring Forties". To give you an opportunity to share his adventure, to inspire others, fine art prints on canvas are available, for the look and feel of the real thing, co signed by Robin, a numbered edition from my marine web site for a very affordable price. To discover more search my name or try this link > www.frickers.co.uk/art/marine-art/yachts-and-superyachts/robin-knox-johnston-roaring-forties/

[@spinaway]

The book was fantastic.

[@freequest]

Incredible.

[@GrinsInc]

thanks for posting.

[@kenlyneham4105]

An absolutely remarkable bloke, who inspired me to build my own 10 metre yacht in order that I might follow in his wake. I built it but never finished it. Instead I got married and we had 3 children which put a huge debt in our finances. We eventually sold the almost finished yacht and after paying of our debt we bought a bock of land with what was left and I swallowed the anchor.

[@Alicedoesart]

Sounds like you had your own adventure 🙏

[@mitchpender8113]

Salute, Sir Robin Knox Johnson.

[@geeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzz]

I've had more fun in a canoe than a sail boat (just not my thing) but this is amazing and I never knew of it until now. Some kind of superman!

[@CapeHorners]

Epic voyage, epic film.

[@dragonfly8080808]

Outstanding

[@philipritson8821]

This man knew his boat wasn't fast and set out early and somewhat under prepared to give himself a head start. The only thing he wanted was to be first back to Falmouth not the fastest and then every other participant succumbed to the elements, mental illness or just bailed out. The fact that he was the only one to complete a circumnavigation and return to his starting point was an enormous act of determination and courage.

[@kenlyneham4105]

He started early in order that he should have an easy passage around the Horn. It paid off, because he did. If he had started later, he would have had a rough passage at the Horn.

[@saturday7]

An honourable man with true bulldog spirit and the winner of the Golden Globe race. The French sailor, Bernard Moitessier, didn't complete the Golden Globe race but he managed to cross his outbound track before the other sailors and is therefore the first yachtsman to make a singlehanded, non-stop circumnavigation.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Great story.

[@theguariscos4874]

They should put this mans name in the dictionary right beside the word LEGEND!

[@flyingfalafel7748]

What a living legend :)

[@johndo3930]

I like this old salt.. He is a real person.

[@3DSAILOR]

Pure excellence...

[@vincentaa7825]

Day 161 and only 5 out of 16 starters left in the Golden Globe 2018. More modern, faster boats, some with three years preparation, modern sails, lines and kit and with weather information. Maybe one or two of the very experienced would have made it around in Suhaili, but I wonder ...

[@johnschofield2818]

When did you last look into a shaving mirror, anyway, Sir Robin? Great interview - thanks.

[@karstenboyenielsen4576]

Great person

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Hard as nails. I need to look into this Clipper Challenge, is it still a thing?

[@kevingrimbeek2106]

Wow!!!

[@Fun-hz8ep]

Man has no fear 👌

[@EdwardBondellio]

Legend!

[@leeweisbecker6048]

just the best

[@BStrapper]

It should be noticed that neither fashion Knox Johnson or Sackley care mentioning that the only other man left in the race, the "Frenchman Moitessier" reached the cape horn much faster than Knox Johnson had (77 pct of his own time to be exact to accomplish 4/5 of the race) and therefore Moitessier would have won the race had he not decided to quit the race, celebrity status was really not what Moitessier cared for, he passed up a chance at instant fame and a world record and sailed on for three more months to reach Papeete.

[@johnnosprads5883]

No one could really be thinking about fame when spending nearly a year alone and out on the ocean. Give the man his dues. Moitessier didn’t finish. They were both men of the sea but you can’t discredit one because it wasn’t mentioned where the French sailor was. Being able to do this deserves the recognition it gets.

[@BStrapper]

@@johnnosprads5883 even participating in a race alone around the world now deserves credit. But That has no bearing with the point i made. Some crave for fame some run away. We are all vain to some degree. Some, very few, are not, even remotely just like Moitessier. He wrote a famous book about the race he walk away from: the long way. Then He became an environmental activist and a hero in france because he is the man who absolutely refused to become a hero. Johnson is still viewed a national hero in the Uk used as bragging material on every possible occasion. He still milk the cow.

[@gordonfrickers5592]

@@BStrapper Eric Lalouette, bonjour, unfortunately for you you've miss the point of Robin's voyage and his life. Robin was a great friend of Moitessier, Taberly and many others. Like them he went on to achieve much more ranging from supporting environmentalists, director of the National Maritime Museum Greenwich, London and creating opportunities for thousands of other people. Robin once said during a discussion with me "I could make much more money in the city of London but I have to do what I do. The same applies to you Gordon, painting is your calling, get on with it". I did, I do. Your comment "bragging material on every possible occasion. He still milk the cow", says more about you than Robin. It demonstrates in public your profound ignorance of the man and a touch of jealousy. I write as one who has met Robin a number of times including recently. May I suggest you read his book "A World of My Own?"

[@davidkeep5398]

That's a big 'if'....if Moitissier had finished! No evidence that RKJ sought celebrity from his exploits just motivation that an Englishman should be the first to do it, it's all in his book.

[@mystisith3984]

I'm a forever admirer of Moitessier but... Different men, different destinies. That's what the oceans are about: They'll give you what you need, not always what you want. Sailors still have the choice to do what they want with their freedom. The achievements of one don't dull those of someone else. As French people say, "if we could put Paris in a bottle..." We'll never know what would have happened if those men had made different choices.

[@JeanLouisTeisseire]

I think that Moitessier would have probably won the race but this is of no importance at all . Sir Robin , Slocum , Dumas , Sir Francis , Sir Alec , Bardiaux , Gerbault , the great Tabarly and a lot of other incredible sailors are so inspiring for us , and all brothers at sea ...

[@AWBepi]

Not a word about Slocum. But Johnsons work is worthy enough to stand alone.

[@Mme.Swisstella]

I wonder if it might be fair to say that men such as knox-johnston viewed such an expedition as a 'conquering' of the seas and whereas men such as moitessier viewed it as a uniting or harmonising with the seas.

[@MrDavcan]

Wat a guy

[@josevalerio7158]

Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard By Thomas Gray The curfew tolls the knell of parting day, The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea, The plowman homeward plods his weary way, And leaves the world to darkness and to me. Now fades the glimm'ring landscape on the sight, And all the air a solemn stillness holds, Save where the beetle wheels his droning flight, And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds; Save that from yonder ivy-mantled tow'r The moping owl does to the moon complain Of such, as wand'ring near her secret bow'r, Molest her ancient solitary reign. Beneath those rugged elms, that yew-tree's shade, Where heaves the turf in many a mould'ring heap, Each in his narrow cell for ever laid, The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep. The breezy call of incense-breathing Morn, The swallow twitt'ring from the straw-built shed, The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing horn, No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed. For them no more the blazing hearth shall burn, Or busy housewife ply her evening care: No children run to lisp their sire's return, Or climb his knees the envied kiss to share. Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield, Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke; How jocund did they drive their team afield! How bow'd the woods beneath their sturdy stroke! Let not Ambition mock their useful toil, Their homely joys, and destiny obscure; Nor Grandeur hear with a disdainful smile The short and simple annals of the poor. The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow'r, And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, Awaits alike th' inevitable hour. The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Nor you, ye proud, impute to these the fault, If Mem'ry o'er their tomb no trophies raise, Where thro' the long-drawn aisle and fretted vault The pealing anthem swells the note of praise. Can storied urn or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath? Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust, Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death? Perhaps in this neglected spot is laid Some heart once pregnant with celestial fire; Hands, that the rod of empire might have sway'd, Or wak'd to ecstasy the living lyre. But Knowledge to their eyes her ample page Rich with the spoils of time did ne'er unroll; Chill Penury repress'd their noble rage, And froze the genial current of the soul. Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathom'd caves of ocean bear: Full many a flow'r is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air. Some village-Hampden, that with dauntless breast The little tyrant of his fields withstood; Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest, Some Cromwell guiltless of his country's blood. Th' applause of list'ning senates to command, The threats of pain and ruin to despise, To scatter plenty o'er a smiling land, And read their hist'ry in a nation's eyes, Their lot forbade: nor circumscrib'd alone Their growing virtues, but their crimes confin'd; Forbade to wade through slaughter to a throne, And shut the gates of mercy on mankind, The struggling pangs of conscious truth to hide, To quench the blushes of ingenuous shame, Or heap the shrine of Luxury and Pride With incense kindled at the Muse's flame. Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. Yet ev'n these bones from insult to protect, Some frail memorial still erected nigh, With uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture deck'd, Implores the passing tribute of a sigh. Their name, their years, spelt by th' unletter'd muse, The place of fame and elegy supply: And many a holy text around she strews, That teach the rustic moralist to die. For who to dumb Forgetfulness a prey, This pleasing anxious being e'er resign'd, Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, Nor cast one longing, ling'ring look behind? On some fond breast the parting soul relies, Some pious drops the closing eye requires; Ev'n from the tomb the voice of Nature cries, Ev'n in our ashes live their wonted fires. For thee, who mindful of th' unhonour'd Dead Dost in these lines their artless tale relate; If chance, by lonely contemplation led, Some kindred spirit shall inquire thy fate, Haply some hoary-headed swain may say, "Oft have we seen him at the peep of dawn Brushing with hasty steps the dews away To meet the sun upon the upland lawn. "There at the foot of yonder nodding beech That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high, His listless length at noontide would he stretch, And pore upon the brook that babbles by. "Hard by yon wood, now smiling as in scorn, Mutt'ring his wayward fancies he would rove, Now drooping, woeful wan, like one forlorn, Or craz'd with care, or cross'd in hopeless love. "One morn I miss'd him on the custom'd hill, Along the heath and near his fav'rite tree; Another came; nor yet beside the rill, Nor up the lawn, nor at the wood was he; "The next with dirges due in sad array Slow thro' the church-way path we saw him borne. Approach and read (for thou canst read) the lay, Grav'd on the stone beneath yon aged thorn."

[@adamodor]

Neil, what was the location where the interview took place?

[@neillynoo]

Hi Adam. It was at Sir Robins house & on board the boat

[@adamodor]

Thank you, Neil! Great work, much appreciated.

[@jasonodom9277]

Fuckin legend

[@alymohamed9666]

Nic intrweiw

[@samwilliams662]

Nice, but a downplay of moitessier

[@Jmmondeau]

What have you contributed to the sport. ???

[@sirroberttaylor9969]

DO YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED DECK HAND WHO PLAY BLUES HARP

[@niggeli]

It was those days, you could carry a gun in a boat and you threw tins in the ocean. Nowadays you don't even think to do those. Anyway this guy is really tough.

[@DarylLexPrice]

Wow!!