Sir Robin Knox-Johnston completes qualifer for Route du Rhum
by Ruth Harrington 12 Sep 2014 17:56 BST
12 September 2014
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston winching aboard Haven KJ Grey Power © onEdition
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, at 75-years-old will be the oldest competitor in this year's French single handed classic transatlantic race the Route de Rhum, having completed the necessary qualification voyage.
Sir Robin sailed the 500-mile qualifier solo down the English Channel and out into the Western Channel on his Open 60, Grey Power. Having come fourth in the 2006-07 edition of the solo Velux 5 Ocean Race, Sir Robin will be looking to repeat his success.
"I'm extremely pleased to be racing Grey Power once again. The weather conditions, sailing against an easterly Force 6 wind on the return trip, in the short chop of the English Channel was a pleasant reminder of what a great tough little boat Grey Power is. It's safe to say, the competition starts here," added Sir Robin.
The Route de Rhum will start from St Malo on the Sunday 2 November, where 95 entrants will race solo race across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe.
www.routedurhum.com