Milestones, Sep. 4, 1972

Died. Sir Francis Chichester, 70, adventurous yachtsman whose 1966-67 solo voyage round the world in the ketch Gipsy Moth IV won him international fame; of anemia caused by a malignant spinal tumor; in Plymouth, England. Though he became the archetype of the master seaman, Chichester set the world's record for the longest solo flight in a seaplane in 1931. He bought his first yacht in 1953 and in 1960 won the first transatlantic solo yacht race. After his historic trip round the world, the first made with just one landfall, Chichester was given a hero's welcome in his native Plymouth and...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!