I’ve Crossed the Finish Line, Whoopee!!! - 28 08 09
After a night of no sleep and lots of dodging of fishing boats, I found myself closing in on the Lizard for about half-nine. HMS MERSEY did me the very great honour of escorting me to the finish line. Is was also chuffed to bits to see a Royal Navy chopper from Culdrose had also been sent out to join me and they collected some great footage and photographs. I also heard the banter on board the chopper – and it was quite something too! A number of ribs sent out by the main TV networks came and joined in the fun.
So as I closed on the finishing line and sailed just offshore of the Lizard, staying clear of all the rocks and as I crossed it HMS MERSY blew all her horns. I lit two flares, as what's become tradition these days with single-handed sailors. The Media boats immediately converged for interviews and photos and I certainly had quite a smile on my face that's for sure!
I then sailed up into Falmouth water to pick up the crew and all their gear for the delivery. The transfer was all a bit hairy that's for sure with a short chop building and Totallymoney.com moving along at around 8knots after I had slowed her right down to help with the crew getting on board. My dad, Phil, and Adam have now joined me on Totallymoney.com and it's a real pleasure to have them on board. Although I have to say at first I wasn't impressed at just quite how much gear they had all brought! However when I learnt that the biggest and heaviest bag was completely full of food, well, that certainly brought a smile to my face!
So once the crew was on board, we continued sailing east and pointed our nose in the direction of home. But not quite. We've got loads of time to now get to Portsmouth for Saturday and as I've got a really windy forecast I'm taking all the long way round. Just as an example, instead of sailing right for the headland we actually went for what we like to call a 'tour' of the bay!
I couldn't quite believe what I had for dinner tonight. STEAK!!! That's right, nice steak on an Open 50 which is being bounced around during the teeth of a gale! Good of Tesco's to provide them for us, and get this, they're their 'finest' steaks too! Dad surprised me with his good cooking too!
A huge thanks to all my sponsors and everyone who has helped me along the way. It was really good to get lots of messages from them all with warm smiles attached. So I'm now across the line. But still, for me, the trip doesn't really end until I arrive in Portsmouth, as that was where I really left from, in my mind. Bring on the homecoming and some solid ground to stand on - Gunwharf Quays on Saturday at 11am for the ‘proper’ finish. See you there!
Wow! Thanks so much to everyone who has donated to my charities, Tall Ships Youth Trust and Save the Children. You are all amazing.
Huge Grin
Mike
©MikePerham2009
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The HMS Mersey was there to sound you across the line was just perfect and their tribute to you was totally befitting the sailor that you are. My emotions ran high when I saw the video and you with the torches. So today is going to be a long day! The one thing that totallymoney.com doesn't want to do is go slow and waste time. At least now you have some good company and can take a little holiday from your adventure. Let someone else worry with the boat and you just lie on the cabin roof, watch the sky and really wrap your arms around what you've just done. Thanks, once again, for all the fun this has been, Mike.
Comment by Alan on August 28th, 2009 at 8:15 amCongrats Mike and glad you made it home safe. We were all watching from Cape Breton.
Comment by jb on August 28th, 2009 at 8:19 amCongratulations Mike! Following your voyage has been very inspiring. Have fun celebrating, you deserve it!
Josie
Comment by Josie on August 28th, 2009 at 8:20 amMike, I too have been round the world duing your absence but, I must add, by rather more comfortable and conventional means. I have taken every opportunity to catch up on your bloggs during my travels as opportunities arise and there no words in my vocabulary that can adequately describe what you have managed to achieve. I saw you off from Gunwarf and I shall be there somewhere in the background to see you home. Well done. Peter B
Comment by Peter "B" on August 28th, 2009 at 8:30 amCongratulations, Mike!! You've made the history books and the imagination of many old & young!!
Comment by Bruce W on August 28th, 2009 at 8:39 amThanks for taking us all along with you.
From the States, >Bruce
Mike,
Well done and congratulations!!!!
It has been such an achievement from a guy so young, I think it will put you in great stead for your future life. It is an experience that nobody can ever take from you and one I think you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Thanks for the updates over the past nine months; I have enjoyed watching your experience.
Good luck for the future and enjoy being back with your family and friends.
All the best,
HS
Comment by handyspanner on August 28th, 2009 at 8:47 amHello Mike
Just watching the video on BBC - what a great moment when your dad climbed on board.
Totallymoney.com looks absolutely fantastic, so purposeful, so graceful.
Ed
Comment by Ed on August 28th, 2009 at 8:52 amMike you will need another adventure soon as I have read your blog religiously every night since you left UK. Not having your inspirational story to read will be a great let down for many of us around the world. Enjoy basking in the well deserved glory. I hope many other people of all ages will be inspired by what you have achieved and will to take on a challenge.
Comment by Alastair on August 28th, 2009 at 9:11 amBTW You made it on the television in Australia this afternoon.
BIGGEST CONGRATS!!!!!!!
Comment by Weide on August 28th, 2009 at 10:23 amWell done on your incredible achievement.
Will you be coming up the western solent or round the back of the island?
Adam
Comment by Adam on August 28th, 2009 at 10:31 amCongrats Mike. Hope saturday is good cant think wen you will get some sleep but bet you need it.
Hope all goes well regards to your dad and the rest of the family.
Exellent Dave L.
Comment by dave letham on August 28th, 2009 at 10:58 amHi Mike,
Congratulations again. Just a quick note, If you are writing a book or publish a DVD on your voyage, please let us know. I'm interested. In this last chance, I will click more on the advertisements, hope it helps.
Comment by Sofia Saracen on August 28th, 2009 at 11:07 amMike, Just thought you would like to know that you had good coverage on the evening news today on TV3 here in New Zealand - including the crossing of the line and the two flares.
Amused to see that after all that you are beating about killing time - enjoy the moment and good luck...
Bill Wright
Comment by Bill Wright on August 28th, 2009 at 12:10 pmWoo Hoo!!! Well Done! Your not the only one with a big grin, you should have seen me last night when you came on the BBC news! Im so pleased for you!
Comment by johnboi on August 28th, 2009 at 12:54 pmCongrats Mike, that has to be an awesome feeling of accomplishment to cross that line, especially with the HMS Mersy in tow. I think a few more sleepless nights lay ahead for you with all of the interviews and attention you will be receiving. All very well deserved.
Comment by Stan on August 28th, 2009 at 1:34 pm...and the dolphins SMILED too.
Comment by Dan Drimmie near Toronto on August 28th, 2009 at 1:37 pmHi Mike,
You must be feeling on top of the world right now and so you should. It was a very touching moment seeing you give your Dad a hug - a moment of high emotion.
I hope you enjoyed your steak.
I am looking forward to seeing you on Cutting Edge in November. I am looking forward to seeing your book/DVD published. I hope you post details on your blog/website.
Have a great day tomorrow and cherish every moment.
Comment by Carol on August 28th, 2009 at 1:53 pmMike & Peter
Your current track can only make me think of a jockey trying to settle a frisky stallion down after winning the race and waiting to go to the winner's enclosure!
Highly amusing. Hope you're both having fun.
Must be quite a breeze where you are.
...Oh I Wish I had a helicopter!
JM
Comment by Jonathan Martin on August 28th, 2009 at 2:14 pmWell done Mike i have watched your progress since 18th november
Comment by Mike Herriott on August 28th, 2009 at 2:36 pmmorning and evening,congrats Mike on your trip of a life time.
i live in yeovil somerset retired from westland helicopters.
regards M Herriott
Wow, Fantastic. I have been checking your blog almost everyday since you left Portsmouth but this is the first time I have left a comment, I am so proud of you.
Comment by Wendy Damsell on August 28th, 2009 at 3:27 pmHugs
Wendy
Congrats Mike. Been following you since before you left. It's been a joy. Now, what will I read as sip my cappuccino each morning?
Comment by Dale on August 28th, 2009 at 3:44 pmDale
Hey, congratulations! [:
Comment by yvonne on August 28th, 2009 at 3:59 pmSo you will be travelling again, wont you?
Hope to hear from you soon! [:
Best regards,
From Singapore, yvonne [:
Hey Mike
Streak sounds great so you now have the taste of home. Good I am so glad to see you on TV with your flares it was a triumphant moment.
The news of your arrival is here in a local newspaper also. Some last hours now to go and that’s it.
Rest enjoy the earth still turning slowly you went round it you stayed awake and saw sunsets and dawns and as you fall asleep the earth still kept on turning you kept on sailing.
As you said many times brilliant good for you Mike.
Good luck be safe
Comment by nilo marchand on August 28th, 2009 at 4:29 pmCongratulations Mike!
Comment by Mona Stefanski on August 28th, 2009 at 4:31 pmI had learned of you through Zac's blog and have followed along as you made your way around the world. What an accomplishment, congrats again.
Check out Zac's blog today, he had some kind words for you.
Mona
Tucson, AZ
USA
Brilliant!! Congratulations, Mike and thanks for sharing it all.
Peter - the hug touched the parent's heart in all of us. Thanks for that, as well.
Comment by Bev Cagle on August 28th, 2009 at 4:33 pmWell done Mike, congratulations!!!
Comment by Stephanos on August 28th, 2009 at 4:35 pmCongratulations!
Comment by Clint Gardner on August 28th, 2009 at 6:06 pmCONGRATULATONS - I think that sums it up! I'll miss following your journey - as many people have said you have a real knack for describing experiences and I look forward to the book and DVD - and I look forward to your next adventure - I hope you set up a home page where we can get news of what you are up to. You are an exceptional young man. And I know your family in particular is a) relieved you are back safely and b) very proud of your achievements.
Comment by Heather on August 28th, 2009 at 7:50 pmGreat job Mike!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the hard work finally paid of!!!!
You are a great inspiration for all ages and all types of adventures, I followed your trip through your blog (which was very good) and I think you are amazing!!!
Cheers form Mexico!
Comment by Ramon Osorio on August 28th, 2009 at 8:12 pmCongratulations, Mike!! Thanks for taking us along with you.
Comment by Malte on August 28th, 2009 at 8:40 pmFrom Germany, Malte.
well done mike. i followed both you and zac. zac gave you a well done on his blog today.
Comment by randy on August 29th, 2009 at 12:09 am'Congratulations' doesn't seem a big enough word to let you know how I, and lots of others, view your achievement. I'm stuck at work in Hamble and wanted to come and wave you in at Gunwharf, so this is the next best way of sending you my best wishes. Well done young man!! I raised a glass to you on your 17th birtday as it's the same day as mine (although I've got +30 years on you!!). Enjoy today - it's your day
Miss C.
Comment by Miss C on August 29th, 2009 at 10:55 amHello Mike:
By the time you read this, the greatest of CONGRATULATIONS will be in order, so consider them from me.
During the past year, I've had the most satisfying experience(s) that are possible without physical participation. That has been following the experiences of you and Zac Sunderland as you've each sailed around the world. Now that you are in, I feel as though something significant in my life has ended, though the memory will live on with me.
You are an inspiration to youth everywhere. If one really wants something badly enough, it is possible to make it happen! You and Zac are proof in the flesh. The world needs more people, of all ages, with your imagination, determination, and ability to make things happen.
Will be looking for future news of your growth process.
The Croaker
Comment by The Croaker on August 30th, 2009 at 6:37 am