At last Sam arrived into Port St Charles and
successfully brought his boat into dock.
He sat aboard for a while, preparing himself for his first touch of land for two months.
Then came the official welcome of Ken Crutchlow, Secretary of the Ocean Rowing Society, filmed by Dixie,
Before doing anything else Sam was required to report to border control. This involved walking along a narrow quayside to present his passport to a man in a little office. As he was rather wobbly, he needed my assistance to reach this point. It was, of course, a great privilege to be selected to provide such support.
After this we lined up for group photographs. Here Jessica, Louisa, and I join Sam and Ken.
Here, I relayed the result to the Nottingham Evening Post.
Before repairing to the bar, Sam caught up with me, his mother and his sister.
Here he is in the beach bar.
Each evening for the rest of our stay, we began with potent rum punches in the main dining area upstairs. After a few of these, Ken would always cry: ‘Samson Knight. Who named that boy?’
We were to learn in particular how the voyage had not been without its narrow escapes.
Glad he made it. I bet it was an adjustment for a bit to get his balance back.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
You’re welcome.
I’ve experienced the weird kind of dizziness that can come after only a week or so at sail — closing my eyes in a shower, for example, and feeling as though still at sea, having to reach out for balance. I can imagine how much more pronounced the feeling was for Sam — good to have someone to reach out to as the adjustment began.
Thank you so much, Linda – from one who knows is so relevant
And a good time was had by all. Looking forward to reading about those adventures. I love the picture of all of you and Sam relaxing in the bar.
Thank you very much, Pat
What an achievement Derrick. 👏
Thank you very much, Sue
Remarkable🥇🏵🏆
Thank you very much, Val
WHAT a wonderful achievement and how proud you must all have felt. This is a delightfully modest post, Derrick.
Thank you so much, Anne
Sam’s feet on solid ground must have been VERY happy day for all concerned!
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
A great welcome!
Thanks very much, Ribana
Amazing exploit, you must’ve been very proud of him.
Sure was. Thanks a lot, Sheree
Such an amazing adventure. I didn’t even consider how wobbly he would feel, but of course. How wonderful it must have been for you to see him arrive–it kind of makes me tear up to think about it. 💙
It was such a moment, Merril. Thank you so much X
You’re very welcome, Derrick.
That looks like a very happy reunion, especially after having to drop anchor the previous evening. I am looking forward to the stories of Sam’s trip across the Atlantic!
Thanks very much, Lavinia
Incredible! What an achievement!
Thank you very much, Aletta
The water is so blue and the place looks so lovely. thank you for sharing.
Much appraised, Lakshmi
You must all have been very proud and relieved!
Both – thank you so much, Susan
Yes, I bet he’s got many a tale to tell!
Yes, John. Thanks very much
Many stories to tell about this adventure!
Indeed. Thanks very much, Janet
It was a big accomplishment and a beautiful day for a homecoming.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
The magnitude of courage and fortitude Sam must have needed to survive the Atlantic is impossible to perceive unless one is exposed to elements in a similar manner. I am sure his arrival must have been a very special occasion.
Thank you so much, Uma
Such an amazing achievement. Something that can never be taken away from him. And family support every step of the way. Wow.
Thank you so much, Gwen
A wonderful achievement and kudos to all his supporters.
Thanks very much, Suzanne
Looking forward to reading about those narrow escape in the next installments.
Thanks very much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.
How wonderful! YAY, Sam! I know you and your family were so proud!
Ooh…narrow escapes?!?! I await what is to be shared!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you so much, Carolyn X
Oh, Derrick – Such a great story. I can’t even imagine what it was like for you and Jessica as parents to have gone through this all with Sam. Fear, pride, sleepless nights, wanting to find ways to support him. Just so fun to hear all about it!
Thank you so much, Jodie
OMG – and Samson Night! I NEVER thought about that! lol
Thanks a lot, Jodie
xo
Ha ha ha, Samson Knight!! I enjoyed these photos so much, and though it’s your family and not mine, I’m so pleased that you have the photos to remember the important moment in Sam’s life and all of your lives. The love and support is beautiful here. Sam looks relieved.
Thank you so much, Crystal. I had asked the luggage makers Samsonite for sponsorship. They refused. Given that he won, they rather missed out
What a good idea, though.