Composer’s tribute to three ocean challengers

Amusical representation of the triumph and tragedy of the 1968 Golden Globe Race will be performed at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth this evening by acclaimed choir Canoryon Lowen, with guest appearances from Cornish duo Katie Kirk and Rick Williams.

The race has gone down in history for the toll it had on competitors, for the loneliness and reflection of being at sea for ten months, for its tragedy, and for the friends and family left behind. It represented triumph, conquest and an unfaltering determination to heed the call of the oceans – a call so strong that failure was never an option. This evening’s performance, entitled Great Circle , aims to pay tribute to three men who undertook the challenge and who each faced their own triumphs and tragedies:

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (pictured) , the only person to famously complete the race in his legendary yacht Suhaili, departed from and returned to Falmouth within 312 days.

Donald Crowhurst, whose troubling story has been vividly portrayed in films, books and documentaries, was compelled, like all the other pioneers, to obey the call – but for him with such tragic consequences. His mental health deteriorated during his journey and he is assumed to have committed suicide.

Bernard Moitessier was so disillusioned with the material world that by the end of the voyage he decided to remain at sea and continue his voyage on to Tahiti, leaving his wife and three children behind.

A re-enactment of the Golden Globe Race is taking place this year and is proving to be just as challenging as the original race 50 years ago. With 18 contestants leaving the starting line at Les Sables d’Olonne in July, only eight remain in the race, one of whom is UK contestant, Susie Goodhall, the only woman to take part.

Great Circle has been devised and written by composer, choir master and Cornish Bard Nick Hart, who is himself an accomplished sailor.

“I have always been in awe of the drive and motivation of the people that set sail to set new records, break down old boundaries and who have a calling so strong that nothing is going to stand in the way,” said Nick, who lives at St Neot on Bodmin Moor. “It seems fitting to pay homage to this courage and endeavour on the 50th anniversary since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston departed and returned to Falmouth on his solitary voyage.