Royal Navy gives special welcome to record-breaking round-the-world sailor

[May 15] The Royal Navy will give a hero's welcome to yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as he returns to the UK from his solo circumnavigation of the world on Saturday (May 12). Patrol vessels HMS Puncher and Trumpeter will team up with Sir Robin - a former RN Reservist - off Cowes, Isle of Wight, and escort him into Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.

 (PressZoom) - The Royal Navy will give a hero's welcome to yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as he returns to the UK from his solo circumnavigation of the world on Saturday ( May 12 ).

Patrol vessels HMS Puncher and Trumpeter will team up with Sir Robin - a former RN Reservist - off Cowes, Isle of Wight, and escort him into Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.


Photo:
Sir Robin Know-Johnstone returns to Portsmouth 12 May 2007

And Queen's Harbour Master for Portsmouth, Commander Kendall Carter ( RN ), will board his launch to welcome Sir Robin home as he enters Portsmouth Harbour in his yacht SAGA INSURANCE.

The intrepid yachtsman made history last week when he completed the Velux 5 Oceans race in Bilbao, becoming the oldest person to make two non-stop competitive solo circumnavigations of the planet. The 68 year-old completed his first round-the-world marathon 40 years ago.

On arrival at Gunwharf at 12.30pm, he will be presented with a much-awaited gift by a Naval friend he last saw in the South Atlantic in February. At the time Commander Scott Verney was Commanding Officer of the destroyer HMS Edinburgh, on patrol in the region.

During a brief rendezvous Cdr Verney offered him a bottle whisky but Sir Robin felt obliged to refuse the gesture due to race rules.

Instead the presentation will take place as Sir Robin steps off his yacht at Gunwharf Pontoon. Cdr Verney said: "HMS Edinburgh and Saga Insurance sailed in company for short while off the Falkland Islands and it was an honour to speak to Sir Robin over our radio and wish him all the best for the rest of his voyage.

"I fully understood why Sir Robin declined the whisky offer, but I'm extremely pleased that I have the opportunity to present the bottle, on behalf of HMS Edinburgh, now the race is over."

The RN's ice patrol ship HMS Endurance, currently deployed in the Antarctic, was also involved in the Velux 5 Oceans, producing vital ice reports to race organisers during the southern ocean leg.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, sent a personal message to Sir Robin applauding his efforts. "I was absolutely delighted to see that you arrived safely in Bilbao after a truly inspirational feat of endurance and seamanship," he said. "Many, many congratulations on a stunning and competitive achievement. The whole of the Royal Navy applauds you."


   Submitted by: http://www.gnn.gov.uk


    Release Date: This news item was released on 2007-05-15.