At 2130 last night, Impossible Dream slipped her mooring lines in Valetta marina in Malta and set sail on her journey back to the UK.  Mike and the crew are currently making towards Sardinia.  The route will take them out of the Med past Gibraltar and into the Atlantic before heading North back across the Bay of Biscay and back to the UK.  There is still a long way to go but it has suddenly all become much more “real” knowing that she is on her way back.

It’s been a busy week.  On Tuesday I got the news that two grant-making Trusts have made generous donations to the project (formal announcements to follow) and a major marine clothing company has also agreed to become a technical sponsor and supply our specialist clothing (again, a formal announcement to follow).  So obviously huge excitement and pleasure at the news.

It was Timothy’s 7^th birthday on the 22^nd April.  Amongst his cards was one stating great events in history that had occurred on the same date.  One in particular stood out, 22^nd April 1969, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston becoming the first person to sail non-stop around the world – let’s hope it doesn’t give Tim any ideas (or me). Many congrats to RK-J.

Some of the guys and girls taking part in Access Football.

On the same day, I had the very great honour of being asked to open a disabled football initiative in Southampton.  “Access Football”  is a terrific idea and they are lucky to have wonderful facilities and a committed group of people making it happen.  Although predominantly those with learning disabilities at the moment, it is open to anyone with a disability across the Southampton area.  Anyone interested should contact Jon Randall at the Chamberlayne Leisure Centre.

Yesterday, Saturday 25^th, I had another great honour, to attend as a special guest the launch of a new wheelchair accessible powerboat / water taxi at Fishbourne Sailability on the Isle of Wight.  The boat has been designed to take out disabled members of the group to watch the sailing, fishing or just being out on the water.  It has a second, swing-away steering console, like a duel-steering car, so disabled users can practice their powerboat driving skills whilst being supervised by a powerboat instructor – a great piece of kit.  Tim, proud temporary-owner for the weekend of Harry, the class bear, got to share the occasion with Gay Edwards, High Sherriff of the Isle of Wight.

My day was made today with a phone call.  I didn’t recognise the number, it began 00 88……  Intrigued I answered only to hear my dear friend Sarah Outen on the other end, phoning from her 16ft row boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  It was very moving as she explained the sun had just set on a beautiful day at sea, all by herself.  The stars were just beginning to show and she had been visited by pilot whales, yellow fin tuna and an albatross.  Isn’t technology amazing, it was though she were phoning from next door.  After 25 days at sea and at least 100 more ahead of her, she was in great spirits with apparently no blisters, no sores and still a plentiful supply of mars bars.  Do please check out her website, she’s an amazing girl doing an amazing adventure for a great cause.

Although that would be quite enough excitement for one week for most people, in 45 minutes I will be heading off to the Blue Reef aquarium in Southsea with Elaine, Timothy and 14 of his friends for his “Shark Party”.  Apparently it involves the birthday boy feeding the sharks – feeding them what, (or who), I don’t know – wish me luck.  Photos to follow.