LEGENDARY sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will return to Falmouth this weekend, 50 years to the day after completing his triumphant round-the-world race.

The three-day celebration of his achievement in the first ever Golden Globe Race of 1968, will begin on Easter Sunday at noon.

He will unveil bronze footprints on North Quay, which has been organised by Falmouth Haven with support from The Chainlocker.

Demelza Knights, who thought of the idea, said: "Meeting Sir Robin Knox-Johnston last year was the motivation behind starting the campaign.

"This man should be celebrated whilst he’s alive, and we should have something permanent in Falmouth reminding us of his great achievement sailing non-stop around the globe in a time when there was no technology. It is easy to forget how difficult this must have been."

Demelza started a JustGiving crowdfunding page last summer to raise money for the bronze cast to be set on the quay.

The footprints were cast thanks to Carl Owen, who supplied the clay from Falmouth Pottery, and Felix Packer, a local artist who set the footprints.

As Sir Robin’s Suhaili was berthed at Falmouth Haven marina last summer to mark 50th anniversary of the start of the historic race, Demelza spoke to Sir Robin about her plans.

"He thought that the footprints were a lovely idea and agreed to visit Falmouth again for the unveiling, hopefully next year.

"It was awesome meeting a maritime seafaring hero from a time when sheer guts and determination epitomised the strength and will of what the human spirit can achieve. I’d like to give the last word to Sir Robin: 'If you believe in yourself, do it.'"

On Easter Monday at 12.30pm, Sir Robin will start to cast off Suhaili from the yacht haven, along with Lively Lady, followed by a Parade of Sail around the harbour.

There will be a number of visiting boats joining the parade, include three of the Clipper Venture Yachts, and it is hoped that there will be a good showing of local craft to make it a spectacular event.

At 3.25pm, the timing will be such that Suhaili will aim to cross the "finish line" from seaward between Pendennis and Black Rock, exactly 50 years on from when he crossed the line in 1969.

Finally, on Tuesday at 11am, Sir Robin will attend a book signing of his latest autobiography Running Free.

It will take place at Falmouth Bookseller in Church Street. If you can’t make it or would like to pre-order a signed copy call the shop on 01326 312873 or email falmouthbookseller@mabecronbooks.co.uk

* At the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, an exhibition of photographs and equipment selected by Sir Robin will be displayed in The National Maritime Museum, called A World Of My Own, runs until September 1.