We finished our last race in the early hours of Saturday morning at Southend, consistent right to the end in 12th place (at least we are a very reliable boat). The boats then got into a parade with us lying in 4th and proceeded up the Thames back to St Katharine Dock from where the race started nearly a year ago. At the Thames Barrier we were met by The Mission Performance support boat with friends from school and family waving and shouting, it was a great start to the homecoming.
As the London skyline passed by and Tower Bridge came into view we all knew things on our little boat were never going to be the same again, but with Matt at the helm we had one last ace to play... Just as the parade reached the dock entrance, the leaders continued straight on under the now Raised Tower Bridge, Matt turned the wheel hard to starboard and we were through the lock and into St Katherine Dock 1st; We were the 1st boat home!!! The whole arena was packed out and cheering, an amazing sight to see. The other boats then each came in one by one to the same great welcome. Last in was Henri Lloyd, the overall winner of the whole race, arriving to the biggest cheer. There then followed presentations on stage for all the boats and crew as we were all winners, having sailed round the World. When the presentations were over it was the chance for all crews to meet their friends and families for very emotional reunions. Once I had met up with everyone, done a few interviews and had a celebratory drink or two, I then headed off to a party in the evening for all the crews at The Folly Bar in London.
On Sunday I went down to the boat to start saying the 1st goodbyes, a part of me thinks this whole thing is just a dream and it never happened. Have I just sailed round the World? I don't want to wake up and find I never did it!
It was very nice to meet you and your family. They and the Mount school must be very proud of you. And thanks for the tour of the boat. It was interesting to see it again after the circumnavigation, and to hear about your “Tetherton life line”. After your departure, when your Dad was about to do battle with the M25, I rushed off to a spot I know between Rainham Marshes and Purfleet just in time to see the fleet pass by. I think you were on the starboard helm. All the very best for the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks John for all your support. It has been great to have your comments.Yes I was on the starboard helm! There will be a few more blogs to come.
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