BBC , wrong again
The BBC ('Today', Radio 4, November 7, 2006) describes Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as the first man to sail around the world solo. He wasn't. He was the first to do it non-stop*.
The first solo circumnavigation was by Joshua Slocum (q.v.) in the 19th Century. He called at various ports for supplies. K-J received food and water from other vessels.
Slocum's greater achievement, in the eyes of many, brought him fame before he sailed the globe. Shipwrecked with his family in South America, this canny Yankee skipper decided it would be cheaper to build a boat than to pay the fares back to New England by passenger boat. He bought a local plantation, hired help, felled trees and built his own small vessel. His navigation skills took them home safely. The boat is in a US museum.
*Only a few days ago the Guardian's Corrections column corrected the same mistake.
The first solo circumnavigation was by Joshua Slocum (q.v.) in the 19th Century. He called at various ports for supplies. K-J received food and water from other vessels.
Slocum's greater achievement, in the eyes of many, brought him fame before he sailed the globe. Shipwrecked with his family in South America, this canny Yankee skipper decided it would be cheaper to build a boat than to pay the fares back to New England by passenger boat. He bought a local plantation, hired help, felled trees and built his own small vessel. His navigation skills took them home safely. The boat is in a US museum.
*Only a few days ago the Guardian's Corrections column corrected the same mistake.
posted by Skip | 10:17 am
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