After the ice and storms of the previous legs, everyone aboard the Spirit of Portsmouth hoped that the journey from Iceland to Northern Ireland would be less eventful.

However, the weather soon put paid to that idea -- 150 miles out of Reykjavik Spirit of Portsmouth was hit by a severe storm. Force 9-10 winds and very heavy seas meant that Alan and the crew had no option but to sit it out, as it was impossible to make any headway.

After eighteen hours they were able to start again, but the severe sea conditions meant that their progress was still very slow.

Eventually, at 07.00 UTC today they made a landfall at Barra on the southern tip of the outer hebrides. The crew are extremely tired, but otherwise well. The boat itself is fine, and has continued to performed superbly.

Spirit of Portsmouth is now scheduled to arrive at Bangor this afternoon, with a planned departure before midnight after a few hours rest.

Despite all the setbacks caused by the weather and ice conditions throughout the expedition, Spirit of Portsmouth is still on schedule to arrive in Portsmouth, Hampshire at 13.00 local time on Saturday 12th.