The Golden Globe Race that took place between 1968 and 1969, was said to be the first solo, non-stop, round-the-world yacht race. Sponsored by the British Sunday Times, it set no rules, no qualification requirements, and no entry fees. The prize for the fastest time offered was £5,000.
Nine sailors with varying degrees of experience set off at different times and starting points.
Of the nine sailors, only one finished the race. In his 9.8m ketch, Robin Knox-Johnston started from Falmouth, England, 14 June 1968, and finished back at Falmouth on 22 April 1969. It took him 312 days to complete the race.
But what about his fellow sailors? Well, four quit before leaving the Atlantic Ocean.
Of the remaining five, one had zero sailing experience, but sailed past Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, then decided to quit.
One set sail only to reject the commercialised philosophy of the race. Although he was in a good position to win, he abandoned the race and sailed 1.5 times the distance to Tahiti.
Another was leading the race, only to sink his 12m trimaran with only 1,100 nautical miles (2000km) to go.
Yet another, desperate to avoid financial ruin, decided to fake his voyage by reporting fake locations whilst circling the Atlantic Ocean, and ended up committing suicide.
Knox-Johnston and his 9.8m ketch was not favoured to win the race. He couldn’t get anyone to sponsor him initially. But he was determined to sail, and he kept knocking on doors. Eventually, he received sponsorship to provision and prepare for his voyage.
The numerous challenges he encountered on his voyage is unthinkable to the average person. But he stayed on course from start to finish. He fought through self-doubt. He pushed past the temptations to turn around - the thought of a warm bed, delicious home cooked meals and desserts. He was organised in his routines, maintenance, eating and exercise, charting and journaling. Above all, he dug deep into the faith in God he had for inspiration.
What is the message for us here? Well, there are several. But here are three to keep in mind:
Stay the course, trust in the Lord’s leading and His faithfulness. “that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil.1:6)
Keep running with endurance, lets disregard everything that hinders us, that weighs us and slows us down, keeping our eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith, who for the Joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb.12:1-2)
Walk upright, be blameless, and keep the Lord’s commandments. “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, Who seek Him with their whole heart!” (Ps.119:1-2)
Whatever journey you’re on right now, stay the course and believe in the faithfulness of God who knows all things. Oh the Joy that comes from knowing of, and the revelation of, His unfailing love.
In His richest blessings
Frank Po Ching