Organised by one of Europe’s oldest and most distinguished yacht clubs, Monaco Classic Week – La Belle Classe, is one of the most prestigious events in the Mediterranean sailing calendar reflecting Monaco’s attachment to the sea and its maritime heritage.

Dignitaries and those at the forefront of the sailing industry attended the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco last Saturday evening where the yacht club’s jury awarded Sir Robin with one of the most coveted awards in the world of sailing – Personnalité de la Mer 2013.

Sir Robin Knox -Johnston, who was unaware he was going to be presented with the award, said, “It came as a total surprise, I really had no idea I was going to the recipient of such a prestigious title this evening. It was a huge honour to be in Monaco amongst so many people I admire to receive this award.”

In its eleventh year and organised by Yacht Club de Monaco, under the presidency of HSH Prince Albert II, Monaco Classic Week is the only event to have classic sailing yachts, period motor-yachts, motorboats and steam-yachts in one harbour and all out on the water together.

Sir Robin was awarded the title by the panel for his many offshore victories, and his unwavering commitment to help as many people as possible to take up sailing while helping to protect the marine environment. In 1968-69 he became the first person to sail solo, non-stop, around the world and in 1996 six founded the Clipper Race. The unique biennial race is designed to provide everyone – regardless of sailing experience – the chance to race across oceans and taste the exhilaration of completing a circumnavigation. Since its inception in 1995, the Clipper Race has turned over 3,500 novices into ocean racers.

On Sunday 1 September the Clipper 13-14 Race started from St Katharine Docks, London. The fleet will return to the UK the following July after racing more than 40,000 miles around the world visiting 14 ports on six continents. For further information visit www.clipperroundtheworld.com.