Exe Sailing Club member in historic anniversary

HONORARY member of the Exe Sailing Club, Conrad Humphreys, joined legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of his circumnavigation of the world in the controversial Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.

It was the first round-the-world, non-stop, single-handed yacht race, held in 1968-1969, which at the time courted controversy due to the suicide of one competitor and the failure by all but one yachtsman to complete it; Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

On April 22 1969, at 15:25 hrs Sir Robin crossed the finish line at Falmouth - and Conrad joined the pioneering skipper mark the 40-year anniversary of this incredible accomplishment by sailing his original boat Suhaili, up to Tower Bridge in London.

Sir Robin was joined by friends and guests from the sailing world for a curry lunch where his achievement was toasted with a dram of Benromach Speyside Single Malt Whisky which was distilled in 1969.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said, "I am delighted to mark the anniversary of my victory in the Golden Globe. Forty years ago nobody knew whether sailing alone around the world was even possible.

"Of the nine starters in that inaugural race, I was the only one to cross the finish line. Completing the race onboard Suhaili was an important moment in pushing the boundaries of our sport.

"I am also pleased to be joined by so many of the British sailors who have followed in my footsteps."

Speaking from St Katharine Docks in London Conrad Humphreys said "It is a fantastic honour to be joining Sir Robin and the other British solo round the world sailors to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of his completion of this historical circumnavigation. Sir Robin is the grandfather of ocean racing and laid the foundations of a challenge for all of us to follow."

Conrad has sailed around the world three times, he sailed solo around the world in the 2004-05 edition of the Vend�e Globe Race.