40th Anniversary of Blyth’s Record

On this day 40 years ago, Scottish sailor Chay Blyth sailed back into Southampton aboard his Robert Clark-designed 59-ft ketch British Steel after a 292-day West-about nonstop circumnavigation, setting a world record. The voyage against the prevailing currents and winds was arduous, especially after British Steel‘s wind vane conked out at Cape Horn. But Blyth persevered and for his efforts was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE). 

A master marketer, Blyth later organized — and acquired sponsorship for — a series of Global Challenges which allowed amateurs the opportunity to race around the world in identical yachts in exchange for a sizeable pay-in. The events proved popular but were phased out when sponsorship dried up. He has since been a vocal supporter of sailing, and for his service to the sport Blyth was knighted in ’97.