Knox-Johnston sails into record books again

Tired but triumphant, British yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston returned home yesterday to a hero's welcome, after entering the record books as the oldest man to circumnavigate the world solo.

More than 40 years after becoming the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world, the 68-year-old grandfather of five entered Portsmouth harbour aboard his yacht, named Saga Insurance, flanked by a Royal Navy escort and a flotilla of 100 craft.

His reaction after successfully completing the 30,000 mile 5 Oceans race - the world's toughest sailing race - was characteristically understated: "It's great to be home and lovely to see my family and friends."

Despite his new entry in the record books, age had never been an issue, he said: "There was never a time when I thought I could have done better when I was younger. I will draw a line under this adventure and think about what I will do next."

His daughter, Sara Hales, and five grandchildren were aboard one of the many boats of well-wishers as he entered the harbour. Roger Taylor of the rock group Queen, who christened the boat just prior to the race, was also on hand to greet Sir Robin. He had departed to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now", taking it as his theme tune.

The yachtsman, a widower who lives in Devon, took 158 days to complete the race over three legs - even after stopping to repair storm damage, just over half the 312 days it took him as a 30-year-old in 1969.

Swiss yachtsman Bernard Stamm won the race, with Sir Robin finishing in fourth place. Four yachts out of the initial eight failed to finish the contest.