THE BOAT THAT NEVER DIES
More than 250,000 people jostled for space on Plymouth Hoe waiting to catch a glimpse of Gipsy Moth IV’s return after 226 days at sea. It was 28 May 1967, and her skipper, Francis Chichester, had just set the record for the fastest voyage around the world in a small boat, beating the Clipper ship records. He had done it with just one stop in Sydney, Australia, and by rounding the three Great Capes – Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn.
His circumnavigation made him a national hero and he went on to popularise yachting, inspiring a generation to explore under sail. It also spawned solo round the world yacht racing. Just a year later, nine skippers set off to compete in the Golden Globe Race, with only one – Sir Robin Knox-Johnston – finishing.
