Year 3 -17th October 2026 – Faial -Azores for Hamble UK – Day 9– Finally Home.

It was a cold night outside New Town Creek but the bed was flat and we were warm and slept like dogs after the last 8 days or so.

We set the alarm for 7.30am and we all had a cup of tea. We still had to refuel and get to our mooring. It was a lovely crisp blue-sky morning. However, the wind felt like it was from the artic. I went to take down the Q flag and my hands were like ice when I came back to the cockpit.  Welcome to UK weather again.

 We upped the anchor at about 8.00am and headed back towards the Hamble. I got the main out to put it back properly.  I decided not to sail as I wanted to enjoy the moment and be flat rather than healed over. We motored down toward the Calshot spit. The ferries over to Cowes were running about and a cargo ship came round the Bramble bank. This was all familiar but I have not seen it for 3.25 years. Watty went to cook bacon and eggs but the gas would not work. (I later found out that a pan had closed the safety valve inadvertently). We could not do without so we used the induction hob I had and we were soon eating steaming warm bacon and eggs. Back of the net as Dave would say!

We eased round into Southampton water and then toward Hamble Point – a cardinal which marks the entrance to the Hamble River.

As I did so I saw a yacht heading towards me and I thought who is this idiot! However it was Barty and Jodi -2 great friends coming to welcome us on their yacht Samphire – the first yacht I bought and shared with Barty. They had flags up their mast and were sounding their horn. It was a lovely welcome and home coming.

We continued on and down memory lane – namely the Hamble River which I have gone up and down so many times. It was just as busy and the racing yachts were all going out to race as usual. You forget how narrow the river with all the boats moored either side. We came to the fuel dock which was initially busy so we hung around and it was not long before we were alongside and I filled the tanks. We had only used 250 lts since leaving the Azores. The fuel man asked Mark where we had come from and he said Cape Town. The man said blimey I have not heard that one before.

Once fuelled we continued down the river toward Mercury Marina although they are now calling themselves a Yacht Harbour.

I went past A pontoon when we got there to have a look and clearly saw the space reserved for us. We turned round and then we eased round and moored well in the right space with ease at 10.25am. Lines were thrown to Peter Saint, Fiona Watson and Jenny Impey who had come to welcome us home. There was a round of cheers and claps. The motley set about securing us properly and in her new home.

Stormbird and I had done it with the help of over 60 different crew members over 3 and a quarter years. We have travelled 40,460.65 nm since leaving the Hamble on the 18th July 2023. What a great time we have had and what an experience and we were home in one piece. This trip has touched so many lives. From those who helped me plan it and make it happen and then all those that have crewed and of course my wife and family who supported me and allowed me to do this trip. I am so thankful to all of them and I will never forget it. I am so sorry my mother and my brother Andrew could not be here to know that I had done it. They were very supportive when alive and I felt they were there in spirit with me. As I write this everyone has now left and a few emotional tears have come to my eyes as the enormity of it all starts to hit.

We moored up and the kettle went on and everyone came on board for teas and coffee -other drinks would be had later.

Although we were home we still had jobs to do. The electricity needed to be connected and the boat needed a washdown and a bit of TLC. The water tanks needed filling and the interior needed a good clean. We therefore set about this with some vigour with a smile on our faces. Very kindly Peter and Jenny joined in. Within an hour or so we were ship shape and Watty and Fiona had gone off to get some accommodation. We then showered and off we went to the Gaff Rigger- the restaurant in the marina for some lunch and a cold well-earned beer.

My father arrived at 3.00pm which was emotional and then my brother J & his wife Miranda arrived. They brought champagne and so we all retired to Stormbird to enjoy this and to celebrate. We all toasted Stormbird who has been the star of the show and carried us safely around the world. She is a remarkable boat and I could not have done it in a better boat.

Once we had drunk the champagne we all went to supper in the Gaff Rigger and had a great meal. It was a lovely evening and the dream (all those years ago) has finally become a reality.

The picture of the day is of me on Stormbird having arrived.

I may do a reflection blog in the next few days. Thank you for following my journey.

All the best Nick & Stormbird.

If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com