Sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston talks about the joys of India, the Maldives and Australia

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston checks into our travel Q&A

This week legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston checks into our travel Q&A.

He talks about packing blunders, one place everyone should go, and his most lavish holiday – and more.

Earliest travel memory?

Aged seven I failed to board the Tube before the doors closed and lost my mother. A kind lady stayed with me until my mother returned. I have hated being late ever since.

Most lavish holiday?

Soneva Jani in the Maldives. This island is absolute luxury. When you arrive, staff take your shoes away. You have your own little house on stilts surrounded by sea. The food and service is amazing.

Last holiday?

In July I sailed my 56ft yacht Sanjula to the west coast of Scotland.

Dream voyage?

I’d love to cruise around Australia and New Zealand. The north-west coast of Australia is beautiful and the Bay of Islands off New Zealand’s North Island is fantastic. Neither place is overcrowded and the people are friendly.

One place everyone should go?

India. I lived there for five years and loved every moment. Some of my highlights include travelling across the country by train, exploring game reserves, and wandering around the temples in Madurai.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston once stayed at Soneva Jani in the Maldives and described the island as ‘absolute luxury’ with ‘amazing’ food and service 

Any packing disasters?

Luckily, there’s never been anything huge because I was used to packing quickly when away at sea. However, the one item I’m prone to forgetting is my sunglasses!

Hot or cold climates?

Both. But the cold does have a certain lure and I cruised to Greenland for the fifth time in 2019.

What’s the future of travel?

More adventurous holidays to the most remote corners of the map.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston founded the Clipper Race, which is currently recruiting crew for future editions. Visit clipperroundtheworld.com.