Suhaili - Sir Robin's trusty ketch is relaunched following restoration

After three years' work, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has now relaunched his 32-foot Suhaili. The legendary sailor spent hours restoring the boat which took him around the world.

The renovated Suhaili

“No one would call Suhaili a greyhound, but she is solid, strong and a very good seaboat,” writes Sir Robin Knox-Johnson about the Bermuda ketch.

Arguably one of the most famous yachts in sailing history, Suhaili is the first boat to ever sail non-stop around the world.

The 32-foot boat has now been lovingly restored by Sir Robin at a Solent boatyard.

Winning the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race on board Suhaili on 22 April, 1969 propelled the Putney-born sailor into the limelight – he was the first man to sail solo, non-stop around the world.

Robin Knox-Johnston on board Suhaili as he finishes the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. Credit: Bill Rowntree / PPL

It also marked the start of an incredible career which included further racing records, yachtsman of the year accolades, a knighthood, patronages of sailing organisations all around the world, and 20 years of inspiring amateur sailors to follow his experience.

The Clipper Race Chairman originally built Suhaili on a slipway in Bombay Docks in 1963.

Sir Robin was serving as 2nd Officer on a deck passenger ship trading between Bombay and Basra when he came up with the concept for the Bermudian ketch.

Suhaili becomes the first yacht to sail non-stop around the world

This week, more than half a century after construction began, Suhaili has been relaunched.

The teak ketch will have one of its first outings when Sir Robin competes in the Hamble Classic Regatta on 24-25 September.

The restoration of the William Atkins’ designed yacht comes as preparations continue for the 2018 Golden Globe Race.

It is being staged to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary original.

Suhaili at full sail

Entrants must depart Falmouth, England on 14 June 2018 and sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Falmouth.

Those taking part have to sail without modern technology or the benefit of satellite based navigation aids, using same type of yachts and equipment that were available to the competitors in that first race.

Suhaili – “solid, strong and a very good seaboat”

Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall designed prior to 1988. The vessel must have a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge.

There will be a prize of £75,000 for the first yacht to finish before 22 April 2019.