Land ho! Off in the distance on the portside is the unmistakable outline of coastal mountains the first land since we lost sight of Japan about seven months ago. Charlie's got his mobile out and is scanning the horizon for any faint signal. I haven't seen him this animated since he thought someone had eaten his second piece of chocolate cake.

The good ship IchorCoal is motor-sailing the last few miles to the finish and onward to Seattle. The last gasps of wind proving too light and are typically bang on the nose. The sun is setting low in the sky behind us and it's cooling down again. Just one more night and a scenic cruise up the Juan de Fuca Strait and we'll finally be in. It's looking like an evening arrival.

Just spare a thought for Skipper Wendo and crew, still a little way back, nursing her boat home. Looking forward to seeing you guys and all the boats tied alongside in Seattle, it's been a while and feels a lot longer.

Just would like to say Hi to Rick Schwab, the old goat, looking forward to seeing you in Seattle mate. I think it's your round!

Happy days!

Cheers – D