All over - 22nd July

Crossing the official finish line with Suhali

We had a heroes welcome in to Southampton. A huge flotilla of boats accompanied the Clipper fleet, in race formation, up Southampton Water. It was so exciting and exhilarating. About half way up we came across two tiny little fishing boats who had anchored in the middle of the route. Two guys on each were facing the other way, intent on their fishing. Their faces were a picture when they turned around to see this mass of boats descending on them. It looked really funny seeing them scrabble to move out of the way, but they really needed to. Someone was going to miss them and their boats would just be smashed by larger ones if there was a collision.

A massive flotilla escorted us up Southampton Water

 

As we got to the turning point to go into Ocean Village, one the boats from my sailing club came past and I was shouting and waving frantically. This prompted the reporter from Radio Solent to put his microphone by me to do an interview. He had joined us as we came up the Solent. I was delighted to be able to give a plug for Channel Sailing Club on the radio show, which also came out as a podcast.

As we approach Ocean Village I heard my name called and then make contact with my good friends Jenny & Harold, who had surprised me by coming down to race finish.

A huge crowd waited for the arrival of the boats

The crowds were huge, such a wonderful welcome. As we docked in the marina, lots of familiar family faces and lots of my friends appeared. Steve had kept it a surprise that loads of my friends were there to greet me. The formalities meant that we kept in a holding area behind the stage until it was our turn to go up for the presentations. There we were joined by members of  Team Singapore, who had done previous legs.

A triumphant Team Singapore on stage

  The joy of finishing third overall was brilliant. We have done Keppel proud. In four years they have sponsored, their previous best result was seventh. The boss of Keppel in Belgium was there to congratulate us.

Ben being presented with a momento

On the stage Ben was very emotional. We were all delighted that Jeff won a prize for his photography; very well deserved. He is a superb photographer, most of the photos on this blog are his.

Greeting friends and family

Released out into the crowd, I was able to greet my supporters group. That much needed beer was drunk and then some tours of the boat for friends who wanted to see just how basic the conditions we've lived in were.

Out to eat a celebratory meal

Time was getting short and off we went to have a lovely meal with my family and friends.

Unfortunately after this, my lack of sleep and general exhaustion started to kick in and I just had to crash at only nine in the evening. Just a well we had eaten early so friends could back home and prepare for work the next day.

What an adventure. There are so many wonderful memories to keep. I am going to miss the team so much. There'll be much more sailing to be had, but not like this has been.