Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Open 60 racing yacht will be officially named Saga Insurance at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth today by rock legend Roger Taylor. Thirty-seven years after becoming the first person ever to sail single-handed and non-stop round the world, Sir Robin is once again pitting himself against the elements alone in the Velux 5 Oceans single-handed yacht race.

The naming ceremony will serve as a significant milestone in Team Saga Insurance’s preparations for the start of the race in Bilbao, Spain on 22 October. At key moments on land and at sea Sir Robin will play the inspirational song ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen, reflecting his determination to overcome any obstacles to success, so it is apt that Roger Taylor will join him in Portsmouth to officially name ‘Saga Insurance’. At 67 Sir Robin is the oldest and most experienced skipper in the competitive fleet, but his campaign demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving at the highest level.

Early next week Saga Insurance will depart from UK waters and head for the start port of the ultimate challenge. The boat has undergone a major refit in preparation for these extreme offshore conditions, including new sails, Volvo engine, keel, rigging and instruments provided by Raymarine, which will allow Sir Robin to use his wealth of experience to push the performance racing yacht to its full potential. Today the new-look yacht will be unveiled to the public for the first time for a traditional Champagne naming ceremony, and crowds are expected to gather on the quayside to see two legends of their respective worlds.