We have sailed around the world and finished with the fleet in the grandest of styles with a spectacular finale. The enormity of what we have done is hard to comprehend; it might take a while.
Marigot Bay in St Lucia was our final stop to assemble the fleet before crossing the finish line. We were fortunate to be joined by family, Liz and Chris, who flew in to help us celebrate and join in the party atmosphere.
Chris and Liz
It was lovely to have them with us. We had our final meeting of the Women’s ARC group, appropriately at a spa with a pool and swim-up bar. The men celebrated with some hotly contested Hobie Cat racing.
Matt Hobie racing
The fleet left Marigot Bay in St Lucia and sailed in a “Parade of Sail” single line formation from the shortest boat to longest. We sailed at a 5 knot speed to Rodney Bay where we crossed the finish line at 14°04.08’ N, 060°57.8’W.
Parade of Sail
A raucous party ensued on the dock in Rodney Bay where we were greeted by a band and dancing and more RUM PUNCH!!
Obligatory jump into the marina
After a brief respite in the afternoon we donned our finest clothing for the celebratory final dinner. This dinner included the presentation of prizes and yes more RUM PUNCH.
Prize giving and bottle of rum
We are on our own now for the first time in fifteen months. We are making our way south to Trinidad where we will leave Matilda for the hurricane season. We are already becoming a little soft as the prospect of a straight shot there on an overnight sail is unappealing. We are stopping along the way to enjoy the last of our Caribbean time for the season.
Anchored off Mustique Island
We will fly home in May and start adjusting to life on land. The adjustment will be challenging – we will have to start wearing shoes again!
We are so excited to see our family and our beautiful grandchildren and meeting our newest grandson, Camden, who is due in July.
The Pirate Grandsons, Cody and Ryan
The Snowy grandkids, Teal, Owen, and Madox
As for what’s next, to quote a fellow ARC skipper Eric D, “ Not sure, I thought this trip would grant wisdom and the solutions to all of life’s challenges. Apparently I was mistaken.”
Sailboat Matilda 
Impressive Fiona and Matt! I get chills (the good kind) when reading your blogs
as they transport me to vicariously join in!!!
Look forward to seeing you soon!!!
Kathy
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A HUGE accomplishment … so glad that we were able to share some of this amazing adventure with you. Memories for ever and friends for life xxx
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congratulations on a job well done. An adventure of a life time. Thank you for letting me “take” the voyage with you. I loved following every post and looked forward to them. What is next?
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Well, done you two, well done!
Congrats on an amazing accomplishment!
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Congratulations to you both. Can’t believe all the adventures and achievements you’ve accomplished together. And you’re still together😊.
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Congratulations, Fiona and Matt!
WOW… around the world!
I am sure I’m not alone when I say that I am really going to miss my Matilda Updates!! Thank you for sharing your adventure with all of us!!
Safe travels back home,
Peter & Terry Shelton
Sent from my iPad
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I truly got goosebumps reading this. All I can say is wow!!! Welcome home!
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We are so proud of you both- the accomplishment and adventure of a lifetime. We’ve lived vicariously through your blog and shared lots of your tales with our friends. Matilda was one of the few (two?) boats which only had a crew of two- your technical sailing was an incredible feat. You saw the world in a way very few people could. We marvel at how much time you spent in such close proximity, under challenging conditions – you seem no worse for the wear and closer ❤️ than ever. We love you tons and are very happy you will be home with family and friends who have been missing you so much. Congratulations and Welcome Home!
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Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment and adventure! Hope to see you after you have returned home and gotten settled
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What an accomplishment, and what a grand adventure Matt and Fies!!! You will sit in your rocking chairs with all those grandbabies on your knees telling stories of your year sailing the world. I personally am very glad to hear that you are home safe and sound! You will take some adjusting to land life again I guess, but you will look at each other in the quiet of the night, and say “we did something amazing” Enjoy it. Love you and so amazed and proud of you Cath and Phil xxxxx PS let us know if you are doing a quick trip downunder
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An incredible accomplishment to be celebrated when you return to your land loving friends!!
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Congrats!! What an AMAZING achievement!!! Hope to see you back in CA.
Julie and Jim
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