An insurance company which provides cover for the over 50s is backing Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s bid to sail round the world in 112 days.

Saga Insurance is sponsoring Sir Robin Knox-Johnston as he competes in his Velux 5 Oceans round the world yacht race. He will set sail in his yacht Saga Insurance from Bilbao, Spain on 22 October.

At 67, Sir Robin is the oldest – and the most experienced – competitor in the race. In 1969 Sir Robin became the first person to sail non-stop around the planet when he won the Sunday Times Golden Globe. Back then this took a monumental 312 days, almost 40 years on his target for this year’s race is some 200 days shorter at 112 days.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Andrew Goodsell, Chief Executive, Saga said: ‘Sir Robin is one of Britain’s greatest adventurers, he embodies the spirit of today’s over 50s who are adventurous and passionate about living life to the full. We are extremely proud and excited to be sponsoring Sir Robin and we wish him every success in the race.’

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: ‘It’s great to have the backing of a brand like Saga Insurance, whose experience of the over 50s means that they know we lead exciting and dynamic lives. I am looking forward to taking on this challenge, demonstrating once again that age and experience can win out.’