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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Francis Chichester
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(1901–72, KBE 1967) English aviator and yachtsman. In 1929–30 he made a solo flight from Britain to Australia in a Gipsy Moth biplane. He used the same name for his yachts when he took up ocean sailing, at the age of 51. In Gipsy Moth III he won the first solo transatlantic race in 1960. He was 65 when he set off from Plymouth on a solo round-the-world voyage (27 Aug. 1966 – 28 May 1967) in the 16.5m/54ft Gipsy Moth IV. He was knighted on his return by Elizabeth II with the sword of Francis *Drake. Gipsy Moth IV now lies at *Greenwich beside the Cutty Sark.
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