SKIP NOVAK ON SAILING

Chicago-born, Europe-based, but often to be found exploring the Antarctic, Skip Novak has long inspired sailors all over the world with his thirst for adventure. He has competed in most major yacht races, including the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, the Sydney-Hobart Race and the Fastnet Race. He has written for Yachting World and the Daily Telegraph and is also the author of One Watch at a Time and Fazisi – The Joint Venture, shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year. Robin Knox-Johnston entered the Merchant Navy at the age of 17, obtaining his Master’s Certificate 8 years later. Of the 9 competitors he was the only one to complete the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968 after 312 days alone at sea and win the trophy for the first solo non-stop circumnavigation. Since then Robin has participated in many ocean races including the Whitbread, and in 1994 co-skippered Enza with Sir Peter Blake to set a new world record for a circumnavigation. He has been UK Yachtsman of the Year twice, International Yachtsman of the Year in 1995, and was knighted in 1995. He still owns and sails Suhaili.