It’s not only in comedy that timing is everything. I said I would arrive last Sunday at 17:30 and that’s when I arrived and was met by a cacophony of horns and cheers from family and friends at Starcross Yacht Club on the Exe.
First though I was met by our Cruiser Secretary and crew on board Kinfolk which was ‘dressed overall’. (This is a traditional sign of celebration with a continuous string of international maritime signal flags). They escorted me up the Exe estuary.
Then this:
What a welcome! I am so grateful for the reception and grateful too to so many of you who have followed my blog, posted encouraging comments, and made such generous donations to Rainbow Living. Thank you once again! Together with gift aid we have raised well over £4,000. And thank you Ruth …. for letting me go off on my own for three months to realise this dream!
When I started this challenge I quoted Shakespeare’s Brutus: “There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune … “
I am so glad that at 70 years old I seized this opportunity to realise a dream. If I hadn’t I might have regretted it for the rest of my life!
Back on terra firma I now have much to reflect on, photos and videos to review, and many wonderful memories of places, people and experiences that will stay with me for years to come. It has been an amazing journey and I am so lucky to have completed it and enjoyed it. I think my face says it all!
A Shakespearen “comedy” is a play that has a happy ending. I’m relieved that this adventure had a successful and happy ending and was neither a “Comedy of Errors” nor a “tragedy”!
Voyages of Thalmia 
I am m writing this sitting on my Westerly Storm 33 in a rather windy Newlyn Harbour. I have been enjoying your blog. Well done on your trip! I am 65 and a trip round Britain, possibly with crew, is in my plans. If you can do it at 70 it tells me I have time to do the same. Enjoy your future cruising!
LikeLike
A big congratulation to you from another westerly owner. I have followed your blog of voyage growing interest. A lovely piece of writing.
As a 66 year old man ( is it 67, I forget) who has bought his dream boat (Griffon,1980) in April you have given me the inspiration to push myself to get sailing ASAP.
Maybe not round our lovely island, but to push for the adventures I have always dreamed. In my case slow cruising the French coast and the south west of England.
Thanks for showing the way.
Best wishes and fair winds
Huw Powell
Ps I would like to donate to your chosen charity. It details are? Cheers. 🍺
LikeLike
A big congratulation to you from another westerly owner. I have followed your blog of voyage growing interest. A lovely piece of writing.
As a 66 year old man ( is it 67, I forget) who has bought his dream boat (Griffon,1980) in April you have given me the inspiration to push myself to get sailing ASAP.
Maybe not round our lovely island, but to push for the adventures I have always dreamed. In my case slow cruising the French coast and the south west of England.
Thanks for showing the way.
Best wishes and fair winds
Huw Powell
LikeLike
Thanks Huw. Here’s the link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageId=1135783
LikeLike
Hi Derek
A friend told about your intrepid journey which was a very interesting follow.
Congratulations and well done.
Maybe I’ll follow on your footsteps one day but not single handed.
Gary
LikeLike
It’s lovely to see you back safe and sound Derek. So glad you did it and enjoyed it. Most of all returning safely. Well done you.
LikeLike
Congratulations Derek, very well done.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
Great final blog Derek. It has been a delight and a privilege to follow your progress and your welcome home appears to have been a very appropriate and joyful occasion. Thanks. Jim
LikeLike
Huge congratulations on your dream voyage, safely accomplished and you blogs and great descriptive adn writing skills. How many nautical / traditional English miles and kilometres sailed?
LikeLike
1917 NM !!!!!
LikeLike
Well done.I have enjoyed your blogs. Looking forward to catching up with you on dry land.
LikeLike
Wonderful photos & a worthy welcome home for the intrepid traveller! What an inspirational journey you’ve made, Derek, & one I’m sure that will hopefully spur some others on to realise their dream, whatever it may be. I’ll miss your blogs & sailing/mooring stories. Very well done!
Marieke x
LikeLike
Have so enjoyed reading your blog,it’s given me a real insight into the mysteries of sailing the coastal geography of the uk and most importantly of our good friend Derek!
LikeLike