Sir Alec Rose was a local fruit merchant and member of the Eastney Crusing Club. He took part in the second single-handed Atlantic race in 1964. He also sailed around the globe single-handedly in 1968, starting and finishing close by in Southsea.
During WW2 he served in the Royal Navy as a diesel mechanic on a convoy escort, HMS Leith. He was knighted and made a Freeman of Portsmouth and is buried close by at Warblington Church.
Did You Know?
Alec Rose’s circumnavigation took 353 days and landed at Southsea to a hero’s welcome in July 1968. It is estimated that 250,000 people came to celebrate his safe return from circling the world!
His boat Lively Lady is still seaworthy and is used for sail training by a charity “Around and Around”. She continues to be used to get young adults involved in sailing, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- See the video of Sir Alec returning to Portsmouth – click here
- Read more about Sir Alec Rose at Wikipedia – click here