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HRH The Princess Royal

Dear Adrian,
As the date for your departure from the Hamble approaches, The Princess Royal has asked me to pass her best wishes to you as you prepare to set sail on your single handed unsupported  longitudinal circumnavigation. Her Royal Highness is well aware of how much work you have done in preparation for this exciting trip, and congratulates you on your achievements to date.

The Princess is also well aware that one of the charitable aims of the Alpha Global Expedition is to raise funds for Save the Children for which she is very grateful, and she wishes you and all involved in the Alpha Global Expedition every success.

Yours Sincerely

Nick Wright

 
Introductory...

‘The three men I admire most for their courage, adventurous instincts and exploits are Sir Francis Chichester, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Chay Blyth. The great single-handed voyages accomplished by these men have inspired me since childhood to attempt the world's first single-handed, unsupported circumnavigation following a longitudinal route, the Alpha Global Expedition.'

Sir Francis Chichester

In September 1966, Sir Francis set sail from Plymouth, UK in his 53-foot ketch, Gipsy Moth IV. After a six week stop in Sydney, Australia, Sir Francis and Gipsy Moth IV arrived back in Plymouth on 28 th May 1967. Sir Francis had achieved the longest recorded single-handed passages in history.

After years on display in Greenwich, London, Gipsy Moth IV has now been restored in a joint effort between the United Kingdom Sailing Academy, Yachting World and the Maritime Trust. Re-launched in June 2005, Gipsy Moth IV will take part in the 2005-2006 World Cruising Rally before moving to her new home in Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK where she will be used as a sail training vessel.

Sir Francis died on 26 th August 1972. His son, Giles a keen yachtsman and now MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar was very much part of his father's team in 1966. I had the pleasure of meeting Giles at a press function during the restoration of Gipsy Moth IV and he has kindly sent me the following message:

Dear Adrian,

I wish you well in your project to circumnavigate via the North East Passage. I hope that those who suggest the northern routes are becoming easier due to climate change are correct and that that will assist your challenge. I am pleased that my father has inspired you to undertake this venture. I think it is very much in keeping with the tradition, set under way by my father, of seeking ever more arduous challenges in solo long-distance sailing.

Good luck.

Yours
Giles

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston

Following the successful circumnavigation completed by Sir Francis Chichester and Gipsy Moth IV, speculation began to mount as to whether a non-stop circumnavigation was possible. The Golden Globe Race, sponsored by The Times of London attracted a variety of entries. One was a 28-year-old deck officer called Robin Knox-Johnston. Unable to raise sufficient funds to build a new steel boat for the challenge, Knox-Johnston set off in his boat ‘Suhaili' on the 14 th June 1968 . Suhaili had been built in India of Indian teak in 1963.

After many dramas, Robin Knox-Johnston arrived back in Falmouth on 22 nd April 1969 to take his place in history as the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world after 313 days at sea.

In 2000, I sailed as crew in the Times Clipper Round-the-World race organized by Sir Robin's company, Clipper Ventures plc where he remains as Executive Chairman. It was during this time that I became acquainted with Sir Robin and was able to see the qualities not only of seamanship but also of personality that had allowed him to triumph so spectacularly in 1968. Sir Robin has graciously sent me the following message:

Adrian,
I am delighted that you are taking on this project and the very best of luck.
If something is easy who is interested and where is the satisfaction of the achievement. The harder the task, the greater sense of satisfaction in its completion. Good luck, Adrian. This is a seriously difficult objective.
RKJ

Sir Chay Blyth

One of the other entrants in the Golden Globe Race was a former soldier of the Parachute Regiment called Chay Blyth. Although his experience of sailing was limited at that time, Sir Chay had successfully rowed the Atlantic with Captain John Ridgeway in 1966. Sir Chay pulled out of the Golden Globe Race in South Africa but was determined to achieve a circumnavigation. Born in 1940 in Harwick , Scotland , the son of a railwayman, Sir Chay left school at fifteen. On October 18 th 1970, Chay set sail from the Hamble in a purpose built yacht, British Steel, sponsored by the then British Steel Corporation in an attempt to circumnavigate the globe east to west against the prevailing winds and currents.

Sir Chay completed his passage on August 6 th 1971 after 292 days at sea, arguably the greatest single-handed voyage of all.

I first met Sir Chay at his Gloucestershire farm in 2001 when I interviewed him for a business magazine for which I was freelancing. The Challenge Business organises Round-the-World sailing events and other adventurous activities. The business is very successful and bears testament to the man's determination and tenacity, qualities undoubtedly honed by his time in the Army and which were necessary for the sheer endurance his epic voyage demanded.

Sir Chay has generously sent me the following message:

Adrian,
Your turn has finally come!
You're about to set out on your own incredible voyage and I am somewhat envious that my age prevents me from undertaking such sailing projects - still I have had a good run! I wish you all the very best of luck with your forthcoming voyage.

Keep her tramping and keep safe.

Fair winds,

Chay