There was no entry fee, virtually no rules nor qualification requirements because most of those who become entrants were already well on the way with their planning to attempt this challenge anyway.īy offering a trophy for the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world via the five great capes and a £5000 UK Pounds Price for the fastest time, the Paper created an instant race and a great story to increase circulation. In March 1968, the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race was announced – the first-ever attempt to sail solo non-stop around the world. There was now just one last challenge left to man: To sail solo non-stop around the globe, and a number of sailors began to plan. One sailor, one boat, facing the great oceans of the world. Returning triumphant on 28th May 1967, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and became not only a British hero but an inspiration to many more who would follow in his wake. He completed the circumnavigation in 226 days (274 days including the stopover in Sydney) to set a record for the fastest voyage around the world in a small boat.Ī diverse adventurer and excellent navigator, Chichester attracted huge interest thanks to the exclusive coverage provided by The Sunday Times newspaper. Signed by Author(s).In August 1966, British yachtsman Francis Chichester set out from England to sail solo around the world to Australia and back via the five Great Capes in the 16m Gipsy Moth IV in a bid to beat the Clipper ship records. Chosen by National Geographic for their list of 100 Great Adventure books.

But when the old man returned nine months later, he had made history by becoming the first person to sail single-handed around the world by the clipper route and in doing so in nine months and one day set a record for the fastest circumnavigation to that time.

Dealer's Note: When 65-year-old Francis Chichester set sail on his solitary eastward journey around the world in 1966, many believed he wouldn't return alive. Fine copy in plain heavy paper dj, in matching green solander box, as issued. Bound in full green leather, with raised bands author and title in gilt on spine and facsimile signature of author in gilt angled across bottom fore-edge of front cover. One of a special presentation edition numbered and signed by the author and limited to 500 copies of which this is number 109.

Gipsy moth circles the world