A bevy of 25 sailing journalists gathered together last week to offer thanksgiving to Sir Robin Knox-Johnston for all the headlines he has supplied them with down the years.

The venue was a curry house – RKJ’s favourite onboard dish – with an appropriate view of St Katharine’s Dock in the City of London. The lunch was organised by Yachting Monthly and Yachting World and the editors of both, Paul Gelder and Andrew Bray, made speeches.

Among other leading yachting journalists attending were David Glenn, Matt Sheahan, James Jermain, Rob Peake and Chris Beeson. Photographers included Malcolm White, graphic design was represented by Maxine Heath, cartoons by Mike Peyton and even PR in the form of Brian Pilcher.

It was a warm and friendly gathering and all wished Sir Robin many more years sailing.