BETWEEN the sea and the sky, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston definitely prefers the former. The chairman of marine events company Clipper Ventures has sailed around the world twice. He was the first man to do so, solo and non-stop, in 1969, and again on his 68th birthday last year.

He endured a maddening 312 days alone out at sea during his first exploit, often wondering if he was going to go mad. He claimed the title of UK Yachtsman of the Year for an unprecedented third time last month.

Flying, he laments, interferes with his sailing, which he does for leisure, sport, racing and cruising. The Briton flies at least twice a month.

The grandfather of five was in town two weeks ago for the Singapore stopover of the round-the world Clipper Race. All 10 yachts sailed off on an estimated 18-day journey to Qingdao, China, last Sunday.


Which is your favourite airport?

The Barra Airport in the Outer Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland.

The landing strip of this beach airport is open only during low tide and it is very unique - the air terminal is probably only about the size of a container.

There have been times when the aircraft didn't take off in time, and the tide came in and covered it. It's really very unusual.

The runways of the airport are marked by posts, outside which the cockle gatherers are recommended to stay. A flashing light operated from the control tower warns them of imminent aircraft movements.

Many visitors also enjoy that beach, but before they do, they have to check the windsock to see if it's flying. That will tell them if the airport is open or closed.

Ever had a scary flight or something interesting happen on a flight before?

My scariest experience was when I was in a light aircraft flying from France to England. During the final approach, we were hit by turbulence and the small plane was swept and rocked by the winds.

I thought my final moment had come. The worst thing was that there was nothing I could do but to trust the pilot.

I don't know what he did to get us down safely but he was a very experienced ex-airforce pilot and he was quite calm all throughout.

Which do you prefer, an airplane or a boat?

An airplane is definitely more comfortable, but I prefer a yacht. You don't get jetlag, it is more peaceful and, usually, I am the skipper so I'm in charge and have that freedom of choice.

What's the worst situation you've ever come across while sailing?

About 40 years ago, when I was sailing around the world alone on a 32ft boat, I met a storm in the Southern Ocean. I saw an 80ft wave coming towards me. That's when you ask yourself what on earth you're doing out there, but knowing it's already too late.

I climbed up the rigging to avoid the wave, which was going to wash away everything on the deck of the boat.

When the wave hit, the boat was submerged, but I was high up on the mast and out of the water. When the boat popped up again, I climbed down and cleaned it up.

What's the longest time you have spent out at sea without setting foot on land?

I have sailed around the world twice, mainly because people say I'm too old to do that, and the longest time I've stayed out at sea was 312 days.

This was in 1969, when I was in a race to be the first person to go round the world single-handedly, without stopping.

There were nine of us, but no one else completed the race.

It was the time before satellites and weather information, so I was navigating the traditional way - by the stars and the sun. So I was kept busy on the boat, doing repairs and steering it.

My main concern then was whether I would know if I was going mad because there was no one to compare myself to. So I learnt poetry just to have some mental exercises.

Since you sail so often, which is your favourite marina?

I tend to like places that are under-developed, such as Nongsa Bay in Batam. The place is still being developed but it has a lovely, sandy beach and good facilities.

Generally speaking, I like places with character because, on the whole, the facilities tend to be pretty standard. The difference is in the staff - friendly and courteous staff who know what they are doing.

What drink do you always ask for onboard?

I usually have wine with my meal, and a bloody mary or fruit juice before that. It depends on my mood.

frankiec@sph.com.sg