The University’s ‘In Conversation’ series of discussion events will return with renowned sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE on 28 September.
The event will take place at 6:30pm at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre on the University’s Canterbury campus with booking information available here.
Launched in 2015, each event in the series consists of an informal conversation between a leading public figure and the University’s Chancellor and author Gavin Esler. For this event, Sir Robin will talk about the greatest challenges of his career, his inspirations and ambitions, sailing today and the importance of accomplishing great feats of endurance.
Sir Robin was the first person to take on the Sunday Times Golden Globe Challenge and sail solo nonstop around the world. In 1995, he broke the around the world record and subsequently won the Jules Verne Trophy, International Sailor of the Year. Since his first solo trip he has continued to sail and race, being voted four times Yachtsman of the Year in the UK.
Among those looking forward to his talk are Dr Glen Davison, Head of the University’s School of Sport and Exercises Science. He said: ‘We’re looking forward to hearing about Sir Robin’s incredible achievements and adventures. It takes a phenomenal degree of physical as well as mental stamina not just to compete but to prepare for the challenges he has undertaken. These are some of the areas that we research and teach in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Consequently, Sir Robin’s insights will be hugely valuable.’
Other guests in the new series include author Sir Michael Morpurgo; writer, restaurateur and cookery expert Dame Prue Leith DBE., DL; and crime author Val McDermid.