THE flag that flew from Hampshire sailing legend Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s boat as he completed the first ever solo circumnavigation of the globe has emerged for sale.

Sir Robin’s personal burgee from Suhaili – his teak ketch – flew from the mast in 1968 as he set off for his pioneering voyage in the Golden Globe Race.

The triangular identification flag, which has a white sail and dolphin on, mysteriously vanished in Falmouth, Cornwall, after he finished the epic 313 day voyage that put him in the history books.

It turned up several years ago when it was bought by a maritime collector who contacted Sir Robin, now aged 75, to see if he wanted it back.

In his reply, the mariner declined but confirmed the flag’s authenticity and said it had been made either by his mother or his wife before the historical race.

The 36ins by 31in flag is now expected to fetch £1,500 when it goes under the hammer at London auctioneers Bonhams.

Sir Robin, who lives in Portsmouth, has confirmed the flag was his but said he will not be bidding on it when it goes under the hammer.

He said: “If the burgee is a blue one with a white sail and a dolphin on it, it’s mine. It was made for me by my mother before I set off in 1968.

“After I arrived in Falmouth at the end of my voyage the burgee disappeared. I have no recollection of giving it to anyone but I’m not going to accuse anyone of stealing it either.

“Someone contacted me about a year ago to ask me to authenticate it, which I did.

“I’m not that bothered about it being sold. It did its job for me and I’ve moved on.

“I’d be interested to know how much it sells for but I won’t be bidding on it.”

The flag is being sold on January 27.