Global travel may seem like a distant dream at the moment, but it’s something that has captured the imaginations of adventurers throughout history.
This week’s ThrowbackThursday features the Suhaili, the ketch used by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston in the first non-stop solo circumnavigation of the world (1968-69).
Although Knox-Johnston sailed solo, the construction of the Suhaili was an international effort. The 32-foot ketch was built in India in 1963 and was based on Norwegian sailing boat design. During the race, any necessary repairs were made by British Knox-Johnston, who was an experienced seaman and the only person to complete the journey.
In 1997, the Suhaili went on display. Beck & Pollitzer had the great pleasure of relocating the ketch to the British Maritime Museum at Falmouth (pictured, 1997), where she stayed until 2002.
