Origins & Early Life

Sir William Robert Patrick Knox-Johnston CBE RD* (born 17 March 1939) is a British sailor. In 1969, he became the first person to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. Along with Sir Peter Blake, in 1994 Knox-Johnston won the second Jules Verne Trophy, for which they were also given the ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards. In 2007, at the age of 67, he set a record as the oldest yachtsman to complete a round the world solo voyage in the Velux 5 Oceans Race.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Knox-Johnston was born in Putney, London. His birth was registered in Wandsworth in 1939. He was the eldest child of David R Knox-Johnston (1910-1970) and Elizabeth Magill née Cree (1908-1977), who were married in Tring, in 1937. Knox-Johnston was educated at the Berkhamsted boys' school. From 1957 to 1968, he served in the Merchant Navy and the Royal Naval Reserve.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1965, he began to sail his William Atkin design ketch Suhaili from Bombay to England. Her design is based on the Norwegian sailing lifeboat designs of Colin Archer. Due to a lack of money, he had to interrupt his voyage for work in South Africa as Master of a coaster and stevedoring and was only able to...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Amelia Earhart — Contemporary (Died in 1939) (1939): Iconic American aviator whose pioneering flights shaped early 20th-century aviation.
• Barry Mann — Contemporary (Born in 1939) (1939): American songwriter and musician known for successful collaborations, especially with Cynthia Weil.
• Chaleo Yoovidhya — Shared historical date (03-17 · Died) (2012): Pioneering Thai entrepreneur, originator of Krating Daeng and Red Bull.
• Daniel Bernoulli — Shared historical date (03-17 · Died) (1782): Swiss mathematician and physicist, known for fluid mechanics and probability.
• Bobby Hull — Historical peer (Born in 1939) (1939): Iconic 'Golden Jet' of hockey, celebrated for speed and scoring prowess.
• Bobby Jones (singer) — Historical peer (Born in 1939) (1939): Pioneering gospel singer and television host from Nashville, Tennessee.
• Adam Gilchrist — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Legendary Australian cricketer, redefining the wicket-keeper-batsman role with aggressive flair.
• Adrian Goldsworthy — Historical peer (Born in 1969) (1969): Prominent British historian specializing in the military aspects of Roman antiquity.
• Alexia Putellas — Historical peer (Born in 1994) (1994): One of the greatest female footballers, known for her midfield brilliance and success with Barcelona and Spain.
• 1939 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1939
• March 17 (03-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 17