Rod Stewart (June 17, 1977) “Sailing” / “Stone Cold Sober” – Single 7" UK

One of Rod Stewart’s biggest and most enduring hits, “Sailing” became a massive UK No.1 in 1975 and a cultural anthem. This 1977 pressing (with later reissues including a striking blue vinyl edition) features iconic naval imagery tied to its use as the theme for the BBC TV series Sailor.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Rod Stewart

Label: Riva

Date: June 17, 1977

Catalogue: RIVA 9

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

A-Side: “Sailing”

Written by: Gavin Sutherland

Produced by: Tom Dowd

B-Side: “Stone Cold Sober”

Written by: Stewart, Cropper

Produced by: Tom Dowd

TRACK LIST

UK 7" Commercial Single (RIVA 9)

A. Sailing

B. Stone Cold Sober

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – RIVA 9 (Stereo)

Blue vinyl limited edition (3000 copies, 1978, for HMS Ark Royal crew) Multiple picture sleeves (including different naval images)

PERSONNEL

• Rod Stewart — vocals

• Tom Dowd — producer

THE STORY

Originally released in 1975 from the album Atlantic Crossing, “Sailing” became Rod Stewart’s biggest UK hit, topping the charts for four weeks. This 1977 pressing (and later variants) capitalised on its popularity as the theme for the BBC TV series Sailor. A special blue vinyl edition was produced in limited numbers for the crew of HMS Ark Royal during their 1978 visit.

CONTEXT & NOTES

The single had multiple chart runs (peaking at No.1 in 1975) and remains one of Stewart’s signature songs. Different picture sleeves exist, often featuring naval vessels. The blue vinyl variant is particularly sought after by collectors.

RELATED MATERIAL 

Rod Stewart (1975) Atlantic Crossing

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES 

Discogs, 45cat, Official Charts, Wikipedia.

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.