Sir Robin visited with his historic 32ft Ketch, Suhaili, in his role as Patron of the Cruising Association as the South West region of the association was officially relaunched. We welcomed a rally of a dozen boats as part of the Cruising Association's celebrations, with members enjoying dinners, drinks and tours of various attractions around Plymouth.
The weekend also marked the 50th anniversary of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race which was won by Sir Robin. On completion of the race back in Falmouth, UK, Sir Robin became the first person to sail single handed and non-stop around the world, taking 132 to complete the circumnavigation.
On the subject of the Golden Globe Race, we also said farewell to Mark John Sinclair and his yacht Coconut. Australian Mark has been based at Plymouth Yacht Haven over the past few months while he prepared and tested his 34ft Lello sloop ahead of the Golden Globe Race. As well as being extremely approachable and knowlegeable, Mark has also been very generous with his time over the past few months, always spending time with berth holders and visitors talking about his boat and his preperations. On Sunday afternoon, Mark sailed off with Sir Robin down to Falmouth for the pre-Golden Globe Race Parade of Sail before making his way to France for the start of his race. We wish him the very best of luck!