Having spent a night on the moorings just outside Woodrolfe Creek, it was to our great pleasure that we motored the short way into the pontoons at Tollesbury this morning, to exactly the same spot we left nearly 68 days ago!  It was a great sunny morning, and to be greeted by such a great bunch of people was amazing- thank you to all who were able to make it!  For those of you who couldn't (for very understandable reasons- such as we met you in Scotland, or you have since sailed onwards) we are hoping to upload a video at some point, to give you the 'real-life' experience.

We are working out our latest total, but so far we have raised about £7000 for FACT's bursary fund.  We aimed to rase £10,000 so although we are close, there is still a little way to go.

Thank you to all who have commented/ emailed/ phoned/ had us for a cuppa, it has been amazing the support we have had throughout the whole trip, and at times has really been key in keeping us going onwards through the waves.

As I am sure you will understand, after spending almost 10 weeks on board, it is a little hard to 'let-go' and so we are both off sailing again this weekend!  But after that, keep an eye-out on here for more pictures and a still growing total.

(Home at last Lat: 51.7604 Long: 0.8547)

Just outside Tollesbury. Planning to arrive at fact at 9 am. All welcome.

There has been a gale blowing over the east coast, which has meant we have have been stuck in Ramsgate, just one day’s sail away from Tollesbury! However, do not despair on our behalf, as usual we have managed to arrive at our destination’s busiest time of the year, Ramsgate Week. 

There are dozens of yachts about, all preparing for racing (which was cancelled today). We have had plenty of people to talk to and drink tea with, including friends through Good News and even meeting the new gap year people on Morning Star!

Having made it into Ramsgate late last night with an increasing wind and sea state, we moored in the ‘Strictly over 12 metres only’ section – there was a 6 metre gap available (our instructions had been moor next to a similar sized boat!). On seeing the size of our boat our berthing instructions were quickly revised and we are currently tucked in a ‘sheltered’ corner of the marina, however the swell entering the marina has caused us to feel the second most sea sick of our entire trip!

A walk to the northern breakwater this morning confirmed our decision not to cross the Thames today, and probably not tomorrow day time either.
(Lat: 51.3288 Long: 1.4215)

We have past Dover and are now heading north. Lat: 51.2082 Long: 1.4365

We are just off Dungeness and only have 36 teabags left! Lat: 50.8504 Long: 0.7295

It has been good to spend today catching up with normal life.  This morning was a rare time to sleep until we woke up naturally, with no alarm going off while it is still dark outside!  We then visited Eastbourne town and both got our haircut- a great treat.  We also got to sit on the beach and watch the Red Arrows display team as the AirBourne show is on this weekend.

Tomorrow we expect to continue our journey along the south coast.  Keep looking on here for information on our imminent return to Tollesbury!

This morning was spent sailing here. Since, we have met some old friends, Watched the Red Arrows, and have been eating dinner watching a seagull trying to Swallow a very large eel, which was very entertaining!
(Lat: 50.7901 Long: 0.3288)

We are sorry that we have not put any photos up here for a while.  Here are a few to keep you going, and I'm sure more will follow.

This was the view entering into St Ives.  Just after this was taken, we saw a seal (not unusual), but he was so close and the water so clear (meaning we could see his whole body swimming) that we were quite amazed!

Sailing around Land's End, having left at 3am.  The sea was so calm, that we occupied ourselves by using our 'buffs' in as many ways as we could think of.  This was the 'desert storm' look.  Keep an eye open for the 'granny style' in other photos!

The morning sailing around Land's End was very beautiful.  The rocks in the background are 'Longships' and because it was so calm, we were able to sail between them and the mainland.  As Mary said 'this would have been a great photo if it wasn't for you being in it'- I know what she means!

We stopped for the night on the River Yealm, which, despite having a fairly tricky entrance, turned out to be a hidden beauty- definitely worth a visit either by boat or land.

Unfortunately, this is another photo of Becky- this time enjoying a roast dinner, expertly prepared on our two hobs!  Roast chicken, potatoes, parsnips, stuffing and gravy- a veritable feast.

In keeping with the food theme (and to balance out the bad photos), here is Mary preparing one of the 6 mackerel we caught just east of Portland Bill. We have now enjoyed 'self-caught' fish fried for breakfast, and in a pasta bake.

Finally, this was the view as we left Portsmouth at 5am.  The sunrise was spectacular, but as usual; 'red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky in the morning, sailors warning'.  It took a long time for the sun to break through the clouds!

So, we have made it out of the Solent, and are now at Brighton.  The sun is shining (as we hoped it would be when we got to the south coast) and the sea breeze has kicked in (mostly after we arrived, but never mind!).  At the moment our last three weeks of dirty washing are in the machine, and our possessions are strewn across the boat, airing.

With only a few more stops to go, it is not long until we return to Tollesbury and all the home comforts we have been missing- a sofa, a toaster, and running water just to mention three!  However, we can't take our foot off the proverbial peddle just yet as these last few legs are just as important as the first were. Fundraising is going well (we have reached 62%), and we are hoping for a late surge in donations, as all those who had suspicions that we wouldn't make it are proved to be wrong!

Finally, we are in another paper!  Check out the Sutton Guardian to read the latest article.  Also, try listening to BBC Radio Essex at 7:50am on Sunday (if you get up that early!) to hear our latest interview, and keep an eye out for upcoming articles in any local Essex papers.

Just leaving Portsmouth and watching an amazing sunrise- pictures to follow. Lat: 50.7632 Long: -1.0828

We have avoided becoming a Red Funnel Ferry sandwich, and are sailing towards Portsmouth. Lat: 50.7862 Long: -1.2766

We have made it to the middle of the south coast, and are spending a night on the Isle of White (having just missed Cowes Week, which was last week).  We hope to be back in Tollesbury midway through next week, so a couple of days ahead of schedule- however the whole plan could change with the weather!

As I write this now, we are eating mackerel that we caught this morning!  Today has been good.  It started with full main and genoa and 4 knots against the tide- almost unheard of for our little Jelly Fish.  Then, later, as we got near to the Island, we had to pass through what Mary and I call ‘a crazy tidal bit’; meaning there were strong tides which cause waves that appear to spike up.  In this section we also got our new top speed- 10.8 knots over ground!

Now, it is bed time,ready for another busy day tomorrow- crossing the Solent!

6 fish in 60 minutes. Fried mackeral for breakfast, fish pie for dinner. All thanks to 'Drekly' and their amazing mackeral catching fishing line! Lat: 50.5907 Long: -2.2966

Just cooking roast chicken with potatoes, parsnips, stuffing and gravy on Jelly Fish.

Have just arrived after 18 hours sailing. Exhausted and planning to take tomorrow off.

Have just made it around Portland Bill. Annoyed that some other yachts managed to bypass us so quickly. Must have local knowledge. Sailing Lat: 50.4899 Long: -2.3601

We have spent a rather wet day in and around Dartmouth getting ready for an early start!

We are enjoying fantastic sailing along the south coast and have now reached Dartmouth. We are now moored for the night surrounded by friendly people.
(Lat: 50.3493 Long: -3.5771)

We had a pleasant evening in the river Yealm. Now making our way past start point.
(Lat: 50.2417 Long: -3.9277)

We are finally sailing downwind once more. Nice seeing other boats about too.
(Lat: 50.1618 Long: -4.8727)

We have just sailed round the Lizard- our most southerly point- escorted by a fleet of 21 Dutch yachts.
(Lat: 49.9243 Long: -5.2259)

Now moored up in a raft of 7 boats. So 6 to climb over including a proper pirate ship to get to the quay.
(Lat: 50.1165 Long: -5.5305)

Having rounded Lands End, we have turned east and towards home. We still have 3 weeks left though!

Just watching a lovely sunrise as we sail round Lands End.
(Lat: 50.1642 Long: -5.7022)

Have just realised we have spent the last two nights moored to a lobster pot. Fortunately attached to a big stone!

We are still here enjoying some rainy weather and very good ice cream.