Thanks to everybody involved

Back at home reflecting on our amazingly successful race I feel the need to do an Oscar acceptance speech. Maybe by November and the Prizegiving we will have got used to the notion that we deserve the Tilman Trophy. At the moment it seems highly surprising.
This campaign has been well planned and executed thanks to a lot of people.
Tony Bennett and Chris Smith from Bellanoch were vital in kitting out the boat and supplying the rowing rig which propelled us so effectively.
Chris Haughton and David Herbert helped with the delivery trip from Crinan to Holyhead and cheerfully took part in the inept crew training sessions off Galloway when we struggled with the dip pole gybing system for the first time.
Bill was the shoreside lynch pin we couldn't have done without, and we were very sorry Claire couldn't join him but supported from afar.
Ruth Rosie Mark Mary and Lizzie put up with parental neglect at exam time or while travelling - sorry!
Bridget and Shelagh from Kithros 2 helped look after Bill and point him in the right direction when needed.
Norma Wendy Dennis and Mike and all the Merioneth Yacht Club organisers make us all so welcome every year and encourage us to have another go.
Bill Neal Colin Richard and Mike on Kithros 2 goaded us with well chosen insults when they saw us on the rocks and gave us a reason to battle our way to Whitehaven in the fastest time possible. We hardly saw them after that...
On the crew Patrick was the generous co-skipper and owner, knew his boat thoroughly and was a vital source of local knowledge in Scotland, Virginia was the ships cook of your dreams and downwind helmsman to surpass anybody, Andrew did sail trim and rowing and running while David was offically the grunt who followed orders while running up mountains extraordinarily fast for someone who looked as if he wasn't trying. Thanks to all of them for putting up with being bossed about by me.

It was a great team effort and everybody played their part so to win the all rounder team trophy is particularly apt.

PS Shelterbox donations now within sight of a whole box - just needs £25 more....