Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has returned home having completed the gruelling Velux 5 Oceans race, during which half the starting fleet were forced to retire. He was given an 11-gun salute from the Royal Yacht Squadron and greeted on the dock by hundreds in support, including his daughter and his five grandchildren and many other friends and family members.

Speaking from the dockside, Knox-Johnston commented: “I have had a wonderful reception all the along the coast and into Portsmouth. It is as special as when I completed the Golden Globe and brings back wonderful memories. The VElux 5-Oceans is a classic event and I achieved my goal in solo circumnavigating the planet and have really enjoyed being back on the open seas again. I do not believe that life stops when you reach 65 and my yacht, Saga Insurance, has illustrated that if we set our mind to a task, nothing is impossible (particularly with a drop of Old Pulteney whisky along the way!).

“I am very touched that so many people have come out on the water to see my arrival back to the UK. I have just been given a bottle of whisky by the Commander Scott Verney, captain of HMS Edinburgh. He offered me a bottle when we made a rendezvous off the Falkland Islands; at the time I had to decline the kind offer but I am now more than happy to accept, so long as it’s Old Pulteney. It is good to be home.”