HOMECOMING!!

 Wow, what a return! Tonight I can officially say I have sailed singlehandedly around Britain, something I have been dreaming of doing, since forever! 


For the last 7 and half weeks, I have quite literally been living the dream, just me, and Falanda (with dad a small spot in the distance behind!). We have been through the solent, across the Thames, across the firth of forth, through the Caledonian canal, and back down through the Irish sea to Wales. Then sailed through Ramsey sound, to Milford haven, across the Bristol channel, around Lands end, the Lizard, and back to Topsham. Falanda  has taken good care of me, and I hope I have shown as much appreciation towards her. She is a beautiful, seaworthy vessel, and the hardest part of this trip was walking away down the pontoon today. 


A massive thank you to all the people who welcomed us in, forming a small fleet as we aproached Exmouth Docks (20 strong!), where a crowd was waving. 


Thank you to all the boaters and non-boaters who welcomed me home from Topsham quay, and as I came in at W Trout & Son marina. I have never seen so many people on the quay before, and the whole 'people' experience was a bit overwhelming to say the least! 


I had been hoping to sneak into the Exe quietly, without anyone really noticing, so to have so many people out to see me, was amazing, but crazy! It was also great to have the lifeboat escorting me up the river, and they even waited patiently as Falanda drifted along slowly when the wind died! 


Last year, I got to meet Timothy Long, whilst he was on his way around Britain, to become the yougest person to go round solo. Almost a year later, he was at the boat yard waving me in, as I broke his record. I think it was great of him to even be able to look at at me and Falanda, nevermind be actually friendly. I'd like to think I'd be that 'nice' if someone younger went round next year!  


I had wanted to sail around Britain, but to become the youngest person to ever do so is a fantastic extra. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me, to all of the marinas who have given me free berthing, to all the Sea Shepherd UK volounteers, and most of all, to my dad, who literally followed me around Britain, to satisfy the insurance company.


Thank to everyone who has donated to Sea Shepherd UK, we have so nearly reached £11,000 (£80 off!!)! 


https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/falanda-roundbritain


Coming in at Exmouth







Flotilla at Exmouth





Quite an audience at Topsham Quay





Moored up at Trouts Boatyard


Two round-Britain sailors


Coming in at Exmouth beach


Greeted by some Sea Shepherd volunteers


Greeted by the person who's record I broke (kinda)














Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 22, 2021 at 11:54 PM

    Well done, Katie!! Fantastic feat and how lovely that Timothy was among those in your welcome party. You must be very proud and rightly so ....as are your family. We wish you success in any future adventures. Graham and Nicola xxxx

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