Knox-Johnston on Seamanship & Seafaring

On 14th June 1968 Robin Knox-Johnston set sail from Falmouth to take part in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race – the first, non-stop, single-handed sailing race around the world. He was an unknown 29-year old Merchant Navy Officer. Ten and a half months later he sailed back into Falmouth, the only finisher in the race and the first man to complete a non-stop solo circumnavigation. Since then he has had an illustrious sailing career, with 3 further circumnavigations, including the fastest circumnavigation and last racing solo round the world in 2007, aged 68. Few people have sailed as many miles as Robin.

Now, 50 years since setting out in the Golden Globe Race, you can benefit from Robin's wealth of experience as he shares his thoughts on seamanship and seafaring in this new book, selected from his most provoking, insightful and perceptive writing from the pages of Yachting World magazine. The first half of the book concentrates on seamanship and looks at the skills and gear required. The second half allows Robin to reminisce on memorable boats, races and places he has experienced in his last 50 years of seafaring. The book starts with an original piece by Robin reflecting on the last 50 years.

Praise for Knox-Johnston on Seamanship & Seafaring

"This book is a real treat, packed with down-to-earth practical advice and entertaining tales from Robin's 50 years of seafaring."
— Lifeboat, Spring 2020

"Now leisure sailors can benefit from Robin's wealth of experience."
— Yachting Life

"Hints, tips, advice and yarns from Britain's most famous sailor; this is a great book to dip into when you've just come off watch or are waiting for someone to get back from the showers… Robin covers a huge range of subjects with seamanlike directness and a master mariner's authority."
— Classic Sailor

"This book is a delight to read. The chapter headings alone are worth the cover price. His advice is as useful for sailing round the Isle of Wight as for sailing round the world. Every word is helpful. An engaging and well written book."
— Little Ship Club

About the Author

Robin Knox-Johnston rose to fame in 1969 when he became the first person to sail non-stop and solo around the world. In an illustrious sailing career he has also set records for the fastest circumnavigation and last raced solo round the world in 2007, aged 68. He was knighted in 1995.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.