A stirring Solent welcome is planned for this weekend

Having completed the Velux 5 Oceans, sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on board Saga Insurance will be escorted back from the Needles by the Clipper Round the World Racing fleet to Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth tomorrow.

Nearly 40 years after Knox-Johnston became the first person to sail non-stop around the world in the Sunday Times Golden Globe race, the 68-year-old, who made history last week as he completed a second solo circumnavigation of the planet, will return to UK shores on his Open 60, Saga Insurance. Sir Robin becomes the oldest person to have completed this classic race and his natural ability, determination and perseverance has seen him beat the world’s best skippers and fighting for a podium position in the final rankings.

Sir Robin will sail up the Solent accompanied by a flotilla of spectator craft and a Royal Navy escort.

Schedule for this Saturday:

07.30: Sir Robin Knox – Johnson onboard Saga Insurance will arrive at the
Needles (off the Isle of Wight)
09.30 – 10.00: Sir Robin will be off Cowes, Isle of Wight for 11 gun salute
from Royal Yacht Squadron
11.30: Sir Robin arrives at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour
12.00: Sir Robin passes Portsmouth Round Tower
12.30: Sir Robin and SAGA Insurance to arrive at the dockside at Gunwharf
Quays