Florence Homecoming Invitation - September

After 7 years away we are sailing back to where we began this journey, this is not the end, but it is a huge milestone that deserves to be celebrated. We have had lots of messages asking when we will be arriving so that you can watch us sail in, so here is the plan.
FLORENCE HOMECOMING
Date: 23rd September
Location: Port Solent Marina, Portsmouth Harbour
The Plan for the day:
1000:
• Florence will start at Prince Consort cardinal in the Solent and sail to Portsmouth Harbour
• All are welcome to sail along with us/escort us in their own boats if they wish
• Please book your own berths if wishing to join us at Port Solent
1230:
• Passing through Portsmouth Harbour entrance en-route to Port Solent Marina
1330:
• Arrival at the lock in Port Solent Marina.
1330 - 1500:
• Public space for all to see Florence arrive, pass though the lock and celebrate arriving
1500- 1700:
• Matt and Amy move to the reserved bar to meet Friends Family and Patrons

[@ermentrudeboutaround7408]

My wife and myself joined the flotilla off gillkicker point following into Portsmouth Harbour and up to Port Solent before heading back to Langstone. We both cried as although Matt and Amy will not have had a clue who the people on the random yacht at the back through the harbour were. We are just two people who took up sailing 3 years ago having been inspired watching these videos. Thank you.

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Fantastic! There were a few tears on Florence as well, a very emotional return.

[@stevemellor7989]

I watched this video with tears in my eyes (of joy and happiness) as you prepare to soon close this chapter in your lives. I have followed you two from the start and what a joy you two have brought to me, seeing the wonders of the world through your lens. Amy, I know your father won't be there to see you come home, but as a Dad myself, I can say the joy of a father is watching your children fulfill their dream. This, you had given him. I'll be anxiously awaiting your next venture.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Hear hear!

[@murrayisabeth9403]

Beautiful ❤

[@KDbbasm]

Lovely comment, sir.

[@colinhamilton2636]

Oh man. I'm like 7 years behind! I just started your 162 video behemoth this week. I'll get to watch this in about a year's time. Sod it! I'm just going to watch it.

[@oceanwoods]

As happy as I am for your successful completion, I also feel terribly sad this journey and it’s adventures are ending. Thank you for bringing me along and bringing hope to my life, all these years

[@-dirk-65]

Land barren Montana boy, but i Harley'd accross the USA & back last summer. Sailing is dreamy & thanks for taking me along for a WHOLE picture. Fat thumb up.

[@Thomas-eu6fj]

Will terribly miss you Amy and Matt and your beautiful videos ❤

[@KDbbasm]

I would be there absolutely for sure if I didn't live in Washington state and can't afford a trip to magnificent England! Ive watched you from the beginning without a single miss. How odd this KZbin phenomenon is, you grow to know, admire, and have true affection for producers of these marvelous journeys, never to meet or know the fate of them. I hope you'll let us know at least your plans of settling in back home, so we dont worry about you! I'm not a crying type of person but in all seriousness I will cry like a baby watching this all come to an end....I do hope it's the start of a new beginning.

[@lancemurrell5837]

So glad you’re close to being home. We’ve prayed for your safety and health every day. Welcome home!

[@tuparlesfrancais5823]

I've been watching your travelog videos and enjoying the adventure for nearly 3yrs, and I wish I'd found you sooner. I'll be at Solent marina to applaud your return. Many thanks for sharing your sailing life with us.😊

[@waterboy8999]

Well done, and good luck!

[@nooneanybodyknows7912]

Thanks for sharing the information.

[@chrishedgcock]

Loved every minute of your adventures. Thanks from South Africa

[@user-lr7fi8xg5m]

Walking from Fareham this morning to see you and Florence, many congratulations. Love from Susie B xx 👸🤴🚤

[@IceglacierArnar]

7 years away is a long time. I suffer if I am a month away from Iceland 🇮🇸💚 Happy times ahead for you with family 🤗

[@Alanjamessouthey]

I have watched , followed for years . It's like we all know you so well . Stay safe guys

[@joeechandi5334]

Happy arrival back home, I'm sure it will be. I'd love to be there.. 🎉

[@alexanderkielczynski2437]

Hey, I'm the first one to comment!! Well done guys. You have been an inspiration to us. we are leaving Knysna SA in about a year to Madegascar. welcome home.

[@richardboyden5553]

I guess this means you made it to the Azores safe and sound. Congratulations on that and the huge feat of circumnavigation!! Here's wishing you a safe and successful final leg. Thanks for all the wonderful videos!

[@sailingsjofagel]

You must be nearly besides yourselves with excitement of going home..!! Looking forward to the coming episodes.

[@wow.sailor.]

Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow Sailor 👍🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

[@michaelmarquez260]

Cheers y’all… started watching your journey about episode 6 enjoying every step of your journey so very much… We were working as truck drivers and building our sailboat for our retirement, unable to commit sooner and now we’re finishing our boat and anticipate cutting our dock lines as soon as we can. We will be in Peru on the 23rd. But I plan on watching your livestream, or maybe your family will be able to videotape it for you…? Anyway I am pleased as punch and think you’re bloody brilliant at the accomplishment and all without any great drama or mishaps… Matt’s commitment and fastidious attitude towards preparedness and Amy’s determination and steadfastness is the reason for such a remarkable achievement… I am proud to point to your accomplishments as inspiration for our journey should we be so lucky as to follow your example… All the best and Godspeed young voyagers…!

[@fd9182]

Watching your videos these past few years has been so enthralling. You are both Sail & Soul Mates, thank you for the amazing journey and sharing your voyage of a lifetime, safe sailing home love from Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤️ ⛵️

[@thatflightsimguy]

I'm driving 3 hours with my kids from Somerset. They think daddy has gone mad! We're going to make a weekend of it and check out HMS Victory at the same time. Thank you for entertaining my during my gym sessions over the past 6 years. I am in better shape thanks to you guys! Can't wait to welcome you home!

[@simonfellows5837]

We'll try to be there at Prince Consort at 10.00 next Saturday (Yacht Zoutelief - a Trintella 45). The furthest we've got is France, the Channel Islands and the Scilly Isles! Your adventures are amazing and I've watched and followed every single KZbin episode in awe!

[@simontaylor3492]

Every week, I wait wth baited breath for your next release, and you never fail to please. Hopefully I will be on my Yacht by pile 71 to welcome you back as you pass PSC.

[@brianwatson8312]

I will be unable to be with you both in person but will be 100% with you all in mind and body i was tearing up just thinking about your wonderful sail those past seven years it has been wonderful thank you

[@Sonya_Barnes_On_Move]

Wish we could be there, I’d love to see y’all and England again, but I have a work conference that week :( Orayers for fair weather and smooth sailing!

[@rileybri]

I'll sail with you in spirit here on Lake Champlain in Vermont USA!

[@Sailing_Antrice]

I would love to come in my yacht Antrice, I know you won’t remember me but I talked to you both when you were working on Florence at Port Solent. I was also working on my boat at the same time and so I was interested in your work. Then a few weeks later I came across your channel on KZbin and I have been following your journey ever since. You are a most inspiring couple. It’s been an amazing journey. Thank you for sharing it with us all.

[@johnlees1176]

You’ll be having butterflies. Good luck with the home-coming which will be without me - I’ll be sailing the Irish east coast. Otherwise, we’d be there cheering you on.

[@williamsecor7745]

I will turn 70 on Sept 16. God speed and fair winds to you

[@wallyceliaudderlife7597]

I am really looking forward to seeing you on the 23rd and at the catch up at 3pm in the pub. I haven’t missed one 2:43 of your postings since spending time with your in Sydney Harbour. You both truly are a inspiration. I am touring the UK in a Motorhome and will be in that area the time of your home coming and celebration. King regards to you both. Wally Baker. Udder Life.

[@bigbadthesailor5173]

Very exciting news ... can't make it myself, but imagine among the real boats a well-travelled wooden Wayfarer joining you on your last few miles ...

[@philiphookham8135]

Barbara and I will come and wave to you at Port Solent lock and hope to congratulate and thank you both personally. You have done what we dreamed of doing many years ago, before life got in the way. I sold my yacht recently due to a multitude of issues but have carried on sailing through your channel. Best wishes to you both.

[@astromags584]

I have loved your adventures, hope you have a wonderful home coming. ⛵

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Yeehhaaiii!!! We will actually be in the UK and in that area on the 23rd but were supposed to go to Canterbury Cathedral and Dover on that day. Will see if we can change the plans as we'd love to be there at the lock to cheer you two back home after this amazing voyage of discovery that you have bene on together, it's been such a pleasure to watch it unfold, cheers!!!!

[@adrianwintle5284]

Now you've done it! You've done the big no-no of committing to a date (and time!) on a sailboat! :) Seriously, it has been great watching this adventure!

[@tgchism]

I would love to be there to watch you complete this journey and it would be a great excuse to visit the UK but it would be cost prohibited to get there from Northern California! However I will enjoy watching and celebrating online! Perhaps you will have a live feed on KZbin!

[@alcw625]

Goose bumps….thought you had made it! But in a month you’ll be home and have a great homecoming 🎈 party 🎊!

[@music-man]

wow i cannot believe it that its that time. Been watching you all these years and all through Covid. I have so much respect for you both. I wish i could fly back home from our home in California to see you in person. You better tell the landlord your going to close the bar down. lol. If you are ever in LA dinners on me! Lots of love from the other Brit! cheers xxx

[@gailbrule1744]

Oh wow! We will actually be visiting London then from the US! We’ll be on an anniversary trip (42 years 😳). We will have to look into transport options. We are so incredibly excited for you both!! What an amazing accomplishment and wonderful memories you’ve made. Thank you for the opportunity to come along with you vicariously…we have so enjoyed all of your content and beautiful videography. Bravo and congratulations!

[@HelenCreech]

We’ll be there - we are just back from two weeks flot sailing in Greece and the weather is as hot here as it was there. Very excited to see your home coming after following you for many months on your exciting adventures. Might bring the Time Flies When You’re Having Rum flag!

[@Sussexfromabove]

If the weather permits it I will use my drone to capture your arrival. Welcome home….

[@beasawade6032]

Would love to come , but I am living in Portugal a safe trip across the Atlantic will. follow you ❤

[@0GSoon]

Exciting.

[@ScotChef]

Welcome back 🎉✊🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@richardsimpson2599]

Brilliant, thats just what i wanted to know. i will be travelling down from Harrogate to greet you !

[@tly7486]

congratulations on your journey!

[@attonicuc44]

Tried to get over but the traffic beat me. I hope you had a great homecoming with large crowds to welcome you in.. Maybe next time 😁

[@Luidwigvonsee]

really hope you guys get the reception you deserve! enjoy home, and hope to see soon your new adventures!

[@sailingsheriff3349]

Would have loved to see your homecoming, unfortunately can’t be there so look forward to the vlog of the event. Very exciting

[@jimsargent7288]

From a land locked state, Montana, I've fully come to look for these videos. The adventure you have brought to hundreds of thousands of people is unprecedented. Thank you is not enough, but it's all I have for now. Thank you...and God Bless you :)

[@artsmith103]

There's a lot of sailing in Montana.

[@earthangel8730]

Not surprised at how expertly you both are preparing for the big HOMECOMING. From what I've learned by following your adventures for years, "brilliance" is always a part of your journey. Cheers! 😊

[@dbkiltz]

Is there any chance of a live stream? For those of us miles away who'd love to celebrate the last few miles with you!!

[@MrRourk]

It was an epic voyage! Thanks for bringing us along :)

[@norman4991]

You two are magnificent, if I weren't in New Zealand... Wonderful gift you have given us over the last few years. Thank you.

[@troublekaliman]

very cool!

[@bluedog1052]

What a massive milestone and achievement. Not sure how long I've been following you for, but it's certainly several years. Since I'm in Australia, any chance of a livestream during the entry? I know that might be a bit difficult with so much going on, but I hope you capture those moments for those of us too far to celebrate the moment with you. Although it's not over, thank you for your magnificent photography and videography, editing, tours, Country descriptions, everything sailing and everything in between. Congratulations on an incredible voyage.

[@MrJoelkamins]

Really is nice to see you so close to returning home…. Been watching for a few years…. We even passed you entering into Georgetown Bahamas. We were leaving for the Dominican Republic…. Currently spending hurricane season in the southern Caribbean… Thanks for the vids and inspiration….

[@MrMichaelcurran]

You stay safe for another 6-7 weeks and your home. Your Patreon and viewers and family are with you.❤😊

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

I'll be there... IN SPIRIT!! I will get up 7 hours early to have a pint with you two! Thank you! You are an inspiration for MANY!

[@workingdogcentre]

Good move you two. Wish I was there but from the pacific is a bit of a trip. Good luck and enjoy!!!

[@davidnichols147]

We will truly miss your adventures on the water, captivating each one with superb editing and story telling. September 23 we will be in Portsmouth for your return and until then cheers from the States.

[@iainhunneybell]

Just what it life going to be like without the next great story from Matt & Amy? Fantastic you’ll be back, but tinged with some sadness given such an amazing adventure is drawing to a close. Congratulations to both of you

[@sailingcatarina7945]

Wouldn’t miss it for the world 🎉

[@vaughansamuelson6552]

I can't be there in person, but I will share your triumph in spirit!

[@richardclegg8027]

Love you guys so much. I hope your home coming is an amazing event.

[@Jigglyem]

We can’t wait to welcome you home!🤗🤗

[@Scimiter1948]

Well done both of you, an epic adventure, you should both be proud of your achievement.

[@kenholt8297]

Love your channel guys!! Looking forward to the end of this excellent journey and the beginning of your next one whenever that happens!🎉😂

[@colinsmith3138]

Fantastic effort Amy and Matt! We have watched all your videos (caught up to date during lockdowns) and have thoroughly enjoyed travelling along with you. Just wish we had met up when you were in New Zealand. Your videos are so polished and you share so much. We look forward to viewing your welcome home to England from afar - what an occasion that will be. Enjoy the lovely reunions with your families. We look forward to news of your next adventures. Very best wishes from New Zealand

[@johnlanigan5532]

Congratulations on your circumnavigation. I loved every minute that you shared with me. I am planning to be at the lock when you arrive, probably still in my motorcycle gear. I feel proud to have been "with you both". Wishing you all the very best in whatever you decide to do next. John Lanigan

[@ritagalea1170]

Safe trip back home! Going to miss watching your adventure. Watching you from Malta 🇲🇹 😊

[@Stikyj]

Nice timing 😂 as the international boat show will be placed on that week....

[@DonaldGregg-xu1bp]

I have very much enjoyed sailing around the world with you. I look foreword to your future adventures while mine will have stay confined to Lake Erie.

[@robertfullarton3020]

Living in a country as far as you can get from Portsmouth I regret that I won't be able to watch in person your arrival home. Like many others I've been vicariously following you journey around the world and the challenges you have faced and conquered along the way. Well done you two! I look forward to future episodes as you prepare Florence for new journeys.

[@Godzilla9]

Have followed you guys now and then, your circumnavigation is incredible, undergoing what you have is so remarkable and outstanding that i can hardly imagine, the one thing that took you through, was not your skills at sea, not your spirit of adventure, not your love of planet Earth, but the begining, your love for each other, from there stems your mighty achievement, i would have loved to receive you both at your arrival of this unique journey, yes not the end, but the arrival, of many many more adventures together, we love what you have done, and wish you both the very best in life. Cheers!

[@jaynehampshire8464]

Well done Amey and Matt. Followed you every step. Very sad we can’t come to our home ground know it well. We sailed the Med for 5 years live aboards. Don’t stop the journey. 💕

[@lpettet1]

I wish I could be there but I will be in Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA visiting my son. I definitely will be watching online! Congratulations, multiple times congratulations to you.

[@dennismacdonald2003]

Very happy for homecoming just kinda sad ur journey is ending. Tyvm

[@BryanBell-th3nz]

Congratulations you great pair of youngster. I Have followed your journey and have absolutely loved it. Being a sailor for the past 47 years started racing then have been cruising since,I guess totally addicted to sailing. It's so nice to see a couple who are such good sailors. Your fantastic filming and content so professional and inspiring. I will miss my weekly fix, Again well done and good luck with your future adventures. Kind regards Bryan

[@bdphourde]

I hope you have worked in a couple of recovery days to get LOTS of rest prior to the arrival festivities! This will be a big event for you two and everyone else is going to try to absorb their shared joy with you! Know that SO MANY of us have truly enjoyed your voyage as much as you have!

[@matsanga1]

I'm hoping to be on our boat following you guys 😊

[@julianbatcheler9970]

England has changed in 7 years. Those Caribbean prices won't seem so insane.

[@guimazola]

I’ll come to see you!!!

[@kirkrobbins9090]

Would love to be there to welcome you! You two are the first sailing blog I "discovered!" You gave me a fresh, more positive look at our COVID world. Every one of your blogs has been outstanding. ❤

[@sailingonadream]

As a lesser sailing channel, to the best sailing channel of them all, I hope I can be there. Currently on route back from Norway, via the Keil canal and hoping dates line up. If not, you are awesome, your story telling and videography are the best by far, I wish I could even come close. Your achievement is simply amazing, my words can’t come close to giving it meaning for someone still dreaming of doing what you have done but solo. I really hope there are more adventures in the pipeline!

[@MarcelLENORMAND]

Shout if you’re stopping off in Guernsey on your way through!

[@steffennylenna8889]

would love to be there

[@cvs8545]

I would have loved to wave you in in person, but, alas, I'll be watching from South Africa, and wishing congratulatoins from here! Christo in Glencairn.

[@dalemcgeachie6584]

i have a feeling portsmouth harbour is gonna be gridlocked for a few hours welcome home to blighty

[@petergroves9343]

I live less than 3 miles from Port Solent I will most certainly be there to welcome you home at the lock gates

[@MrCrabbing]

Dam it, give us a wave as you pass Lyme Bay we will probably be fishing in there somewhere

[@bubbleobill267]

Arrive, have a quick refit and get back out for another lap please!.

[@scottdoran6347]

Would love to join you but we are in Indonesia sailing, have a great time, well deserved as only a fellow circumnavigation can attest ❤

[@richthomas3251]

Have you thought about live-streaming your return on Facebook or whatever? That way those of us who can’t be with you in the flesh can at least enjoy the culmination of your truly fantastic voyage digitally 😀.

[@davidwright6950]

Hopefully looking to try and welcome you both back, assume you are aware it’s Southampton Boat Show on that day

[@albertattwood8746]

Just think The Hisocks, as many more have done this.

[@judebug329]

Any chance of a live stream of your return home?

[@crriding5859]

Thought you might dock at the Boatshow? Will try to be wherever you are to welcome you back though!