In 1968 the Golden Globe trophy and £5,000 was offered by the Sunday Times to the first person to sail alone and unassisted around the world. Another £5,000 was also available for the fastest voyage.
Nine sailors started the race. Five retired; one sank; one committed suicide; one so loved being at sea that he started on a second circumnavigation; only one finished.
On 22 April 1969, former merchant navy officer, Robin Knox-Johnston sailed into Falmouth 312 days after he had left the same port, and won both prizes.
