The boat

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Open 60 racing yacht was officially named Saga Insurance at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth by rock legend, Queen drummer Roger Taylor.

The naming ceremony served as a significant milestone in Team Saga Insurance’s preparations for the start of the race in Bilbao, Spain on October 22.

At key moments on land and at sea Sir Robin will play Queen’s inspirational song Don’t Stop Me Now, reflecting his determination to overcome any obstacles to success.

During the circumnavigation, completed in three legs, Sir Robin will encounter all manner of conditions, from mountainous waves to violent storms and freezing conditions in the Southern Ocean, all the while racing against the world’s top single-handed sailors.

Saga Insurance underwent a major refit in preparation for extreme offshore conditions, including new sails, a Volvo engine, plus keel, rigging and instruments provided by Raymarine, which will allow Sir Robin to use his wealth of experience to push the racing yacht to its full potential.

Before setting off, Sir Robin said: “During our preparation of Saga Insurance, the naming ceremony has always been marked as a turning point–the time when we move into a higher gear in anticipation of the start of the race.

“We are very happy with the work carried out, and I am thoroughly looking forward to the voyage in the knowledge that Saga Insurance will be fully equipped for the job.

“While there has been much curiosity about my position as the oldest skipper taking part, I have been far too busy living life and getting everything in place for a successful campaign to ponder the subject of age!”

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