Monaco: Knox-Johnston visits Yacht Club, set to chair Classic Week jury in September

MONACO, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) hosted an exceptional evening with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, ocean sailing legend and the first man to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. The event, part of YCMs mission to promote maritime culture by blending tradition and innovation, also officially launched the 17th edition of the Monaco Classic WeekLa Belle Classe (1013 September 2025), a world reference in classic yachting.

Welcomed by distinguished yacht owners and sailors such as Sir Lord Laidlaw, Harold Cudmore, Saskia Clark, and Marc Pajot, Knox-Johnston shared images and memories of his historic voyage aboard the ketch Suhaili, which departed from Falmouth in 1968. Solitude is a pitiless mirror - he said - You discover your flaws. For me, I realised I could be a bit lazy. But you dont have that luxury. The boat doesnt give you that choice it forces you always to act.

The bond between Knox-Johnston and the Principality continues: he will return to chair the jury of the Monaco Classic Week, where Suhaili will also be present. Its a fantastic event and the most important in the world of classic yachting. Its a great privilege to be president of the jury, he added.

Further underscoring YCMs commitment to combining heritage and innovation is the participation of Vice-President Pierre Casiraghi in the Admirals Cup (17 July 1 August 2025). He will sail alongside Boris Herrmann aboard the Carkeek 40 Jolt 6, a project supported by YCM member and Jolts owner Peter Harrison. The Monegasque team will also field a second yacht, the TP52 Jolt 3 reinforcing the clubs presence in major international competitions.

During the evening, Sir Robin retraced the most dramatic moments of his feat: storms in the Roaring Forties, rounding Cape Horn (a big moment for any sailor), and four and a half months without communication: Everyone thought I was dead.

But it wasnt only a journey through history. Knox-Johnston also highlighted his ongoing contribution to training future sailors through the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which he founded in 1996. 40% of my crew members have never sailed before. Theyre the easiest to train because they dont have bad habits.

In 2013, he was awarded the title Personnalité de la Mer by H.S.H. Prince Albert II. Even today, at 85, he continues to inspire with a clear message: The sea teaches you patience. You cannot conquer it. It doesnt even notice you. You have to listen to it to understand it.

For more information:
Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ed83482-2bec-4e6b-823c-5041528e8c01