HUNDREDS of people flocked to a Falmouth bookshop yesterday for a book signing of legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

The town has been celebrating 50 years since Sir Robin set off on his historic voyage from Falmouth this week and Fernhurst Books published his latest book as part of the Suhaili 50 celebrations and Golden Globe 2018 race.

On Tuesday night, at a reception at St Mawes Sailing Club, Sir Robin presented every one of the 18 2018 Golden Globe skippers an “Aunt Eileen fruit cake” to open, as he did, on rounding Cape Horn and a copy of his latest book, Knox-Johnston on Seamanship & Seafaring.

On Wednesday it was the turn of the general public, as the book was launched at the Falmouth Bookseller.

Sir Robin was introduced by Dilip Donde, the first Indian to sail solo around the world and then spoke briefly himself before sitting down and signing books for an hour and a half.

A long queue formed down Falmouth’s Church Street as people waited to get his signature in their book.

The 150 copies were insufficient for the demand and a few went away disappointed, but the Falmouth Bookseller will have more in stock today.

Tomorrow, Sir Robin leads the Golden Globe competitors in a parade of sail around Falmouth harbour before starting them on their race to Les Sables d’Ollone where the real race will start on July 1.

Published by Fernhurst Books on the 50th anniversary of the start of his record breaking voyage, in hardback and as an eBook, Knox-Johnston on Seamanship & Seafaring will be available to buy from all good bookshops, websites and direct from www.fernhurstbooks.com.