At 13.00 local time on Saturday 12th July 1997, Spirit of Portsmouth arrived safely at Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK. Despite suffering numerous setbacks during the voyage, Alan Priddy and his crew completed the 4100 miles and arrived exactly on schedule as planned.

As Spirit of Portsmouth crossed the finish line it was accompanied by a fleet of around thirty other RIBs, making a truly awesome sight as they charged down the Solent, line abreast at 30 knots!.

This flotilla then proceeded into the Camber Dock at Old Portsmouth for the welcome home celebrations. The local harbour police had their work cut out marshalling all the boats out of the way so that the Isle of Wight car ferry could leave its berth at the entrance to the dock!

Even the weather was kind, and the afternoon continued with congratulatory speeches and a celebration barbecue -- all in glorious sunshine.

It was a wonderful day, and a fitting end to this ambitious expedition. Well done to Alan, Jan, Steve and Vic from all of us. Whatever are you going to do next?