THE END of SAILING FLORENCE around the world? - Ep.172

This is it, the final leg, sailing home to an unbelievable welcome. As we sailed past the iconic needles and back into the Solent, 7 years and 50,000 ocean sailing miles after we left, it brought out a lot of emotions in us. Being joined by hundreds of our followers, friends and family both on the water and on our arrival dock was something that we could never have imagined and that we are still struggling to comprehend. It has been a blast, thanks for following, more to come soon.
We have been sailing around the world for 7 years after setting off from England in 2016 on board our 37ft sail boat Florence. Join us as we share the highs, lows, and challenges of travelling around the world by boat, Sailing offshore across the Oceans and exploring remote locations with our own little tiny house. Boat life out at sea on the ocean and off the grid.
You can also follow us via our blog at www.sailwiththeflo.wordpress.com
Equipment:
Affiliate link: Get a free invisible selfie stick for the Insta 360 X3 here, the camera that we use to capture the drone-like shots when sailing offshore without a drone: www.insta360.com/sal/x3?insrc...
00:00 - Sailing home after 7 years away
05:32 - Sailing to Newtown Creek, Isle of Wight
07:00 - The final leg of our circumnavigation
16:18 - Sailing into our home port of Portsmouth
19:31 - EPIC WELCOME HOME
24:01 - Is this THE END for Sailing Florence?
#sailing #ocean #sailingaroundtheworld #circumnavigation #sailingyachtflorence #boatlife #boatlifestyle #yachtlifestyle #syflorence #sailingdoublehanded #nottheend
Music in order as played:
Dreamland - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Learn to Fly - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Finale - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Ambient - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Cinematic Piano - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Feeling Close - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Back Entrance - www.hooksounds.com - Licenced
Keep Walking - www.hooksounds.com - Creative Commons - Attribution Creative Commons 4.0 license

[@johnswan6759]

I live in a small village in Ireland.For the past six years friday nights ment two things. The pub then Matt and Amy. In that order. Tonight I watched before the pub and now Im going out to have a pint for two amazing sailors and that wonderful lady Florence. Well done guys. Fantastic achvement. Looking foward to the Arctic. Maybe you drop in on your way. Fair winds from Ireland❤❤❤

[@ritagalea1170]

Lovely couple! Been watching you for quite some time now and miss those Friday night videos every two weeks. Today is 5th January 2024 and seen the 172 episode. Lovely welcome Back home. You were so emotional and made me too. Looking forward for your next adventure. Watching you from Malta. Good luck for the coming!

[@johnbosworth777]

Agreed......come to Ireland. Am down in the South East. Lovely harbour nearby.

[@Diggers57]

Well said

[@Diggers57]

Nice one guys, very well done

[@kennypinkman2111]

Of all the sailing channels out there you guys are the real deal ! Congratulations and well done !

[@ianbullphoto1]

Couldn’t agree more. The quality of videos has been constantly improving over the years and IMO have reached a professional level, and even more important than the quality they have always felt honest and relatable. Thank you for allowing so many people the opportunity to feel like we were sailing along with you on your adventures, at least in spirit.

[@kennypinkman2111]

@@ianbullphoto1 I agree 100% ! I honestly think that a TV company could make a pretty good documentary out of their footage !

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Yes fantastic welcome home happy new year hopes it’s a cracker

[@mhorses72]

I love how they've kept their authenticity throughout the years and a true sailing spirit. Congrats!

[@RocksOff72]

I don't even know you guys and I got a little teary eyed. Congratulations on a monumental achievement. Looking forward to your next chapter.

[@nickviner1225]

Me too very emotional.

[@cindy6479]

Since 2018, you took my Mom and me on your journey to see the world. “Mom, where do you want to go today? On Florence with those kids”. We had just gotten a TV that had KZbin. we learned we could travel the world from her bedroom. Thank you.

[@LeeYvesMexico]

Why am I crying 😂 with a big smile on my face ❤ welcome back to the beginning Florence 🎉

[@jamesgood6065]

This is what every sailor imagines a home coming should be like after circumnavigating the world. Well done and congratulations!

[@suzannechance5876]

Still so proud of what you guys have accomplished! You have saved my soul on a number of occasions during your journey and I am so grateful you brought me along! Your productions never failed to inspire me ! Just excellent, excellent, excellent! Thank you so much!

[@saintinel]

Thank you Matt & Amy for all those beautiful videos the past seven years, you're the best! :)

[@TomTremayne]

Even the New Year's Honours List isn't good enough for these two wonderful people. There's so few left like them; they almost represent a disappearing UK! Lovely to see a Canadian flag at the quayside & well done whoever that was!

[@non.8994]

You are one of the best sailing channel on KZbin .... the real deal. I am following you since Asia

[@norman4991]

You've circumnavigated in style with kindness, encouragement and respect for all the different people and cultures you came across. A wonderful example of humanity. Thank you for the insights and adventure you have shared with us. All the very best to you both. You deserve all the accolades.

[@andrewharris1837]

Maybe set up a sailing school for kids and share your passion &skills 😊😅

[@PNWwonder]

I am so excited for you both, what an amazing journey and I haven’t missed an episode yet! Best sailing channel on KZbin ❤ two of the most humblest people. Thank you for sharing your journey. I shared tears of joy with you, I can only imagine the extreme emotions you must of had. Cheers 🥂

[@JustinBikesnBites]

Amy and Matt! You are legends! This episode had me in tears for the whole video! I look forward to your next adventure and thank you both for superb cinematography over the years and for taking me with you around the world! Happy New Year and sail safe!

[@ravenwing8842]

Well Done Matt, Amy, Florence and the Machine. I discovered you during lockdown and back tracked to your first video so that I could see your entire voyage. My Grandfather was a sailor from Poole and I learnt to sail as a child but could never afford to continue after leaving school, so became a cyclist. I’ve absolutely loved watching every single one of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing them and for being so down to earth, practically minded, technically proficient and passionately in love with the wonderful ocean. Hope all goes well with Florence’s refit. Look forward very much to the next adventure. Jools.❤

[@danielmclellan7762]

This one shook me to my core. To realize how much your journey meant to your people . . . somehow this elicits a great longing for community, and brings me to tears. Thanks for sharing.

[@Waterverf51]

I was crying here. Congratulations from The Netherlands. ❤

[@sisselnilsen4699]

Thank you from Sissel (74) from Norway, now in Cyprus!

[@suzysmith5200]

I am sobbing! Well done. 🎉

[@brianwilkinson719]

If you are going to have dream come true... first you have to have a dream. Thank you Amy and Matt for planting those seeds of a dream.

[@tomcraddock244]

It’s been a hell of a ride Florence!! Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us!! looking forward to your next adventure!! Fair winds⛵️

[@Don-ye4np]

"Congratulations" Matt and Amy 🎉😉👍 Its been Awesome to watch your journey. My wife and I completed a 7 year circumnavigation in 2002 on a 28ft sailboat I know the pleasure, hard work and passion it involves. Cheers n beers 🍻

[@Thedarknessteve]

Congratulations, well done. Thank you for letting me into your world and your travels round the big blue planet. Looking forward to watching the renovations. Fair winds and following seas. 🎉 Thank you.

[@malenelemoine1256]

You are awesome ! And you deserved this welcome ! I'm sure we were many to have tears in our eyes seeing you coming back home. Thanks for this long journey and thanks for taking us on the journey to come. Happy New Year !

[@judithnicholais1492]

Congratulations !! I've followed your beautiful travels and just watched through your gorgeous homecoming. You two are an extraordinary couple, an extraordinary team, and just 2 super human beans, --- lovely in every way. I am so very happy for the both of you for having met your goal of Sailing 'round this beautiful planet. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, each episode like opening a box of luscious chocolates.

[@Cedandkikisailing]

You are both such a breath of fresh air in a world experiencing lots of chaos. The world needs more of Matt and Amy enthusiasm. Glad you will keep going and sharing your adventures 🙂

[@julesswales1535]

OMGosh I am SOOOOO glad this isn't the end of Sailing Florence. Phew, I had to FF to the end of the video to find out and thank goodness. Love this channel and cannot wait to watch the next adventures. xx

[@fransdriesen1311]

This was the best documented circumnavigation ...Outstanding narration, outstanding video work and you both showed what real sailing is all about.. Keep up the good work and all the best of wishes for 2024...

[@davidbroman8391]

Congratulations on your amazing journey around this spectacular world. Looking forward to your next adventures. Funny how every sailing channel becomes a boat repair channel. 😃🥂⛵️🇨🇦

[@dalsie105]

Congratulations to you both, and thanks for entertaining me all these years. Put a lick of paint on Florence, and let's get the show back on the water . Well done, and thanks again .

[@user-ek3jt4jk4b]

Thank you so much, Matt & Amy for this absolutely amazing adventure that you have shared with us!

[@papajeff5486]

So, so, happy for you, getting back HOME, to family and friends and fans!!! WELCOME HOME!!! WELCOME HOME!!! WELCOME HOME!!!

[@Early8Q]

I have been along since the beginning, Measured in years, with the world going all wonky. Give Florence the love she deserves, and get on her and go!! I am envious! Fair winds and following seas!

[@glockparaastra]

Congratulations! The BBC coverage is awesome!

[@sailingsvmutiny1762]

Well done guys. As fellow Oyster sailers, you are truly an inspiration

[@macedict]

I have shed a tear or two watching this grand finale. Welcome home Matt & Amy and thank you for 7 years of inspirational video coverage of your journey. It is because of channels like yours that I purchased my boat, started sailing the world and enjoying every second of it, thank you! Can't wait to see you setting off again and hope to meet you somewhere on the worlds oceans one day. Marc @ SV Andiamo.

[@user-xt2if7cy1d]

Thank you Matt and Amy, I live in landlocked Saskatchewan Canada and sail on Lake Diefenbaker. I have so enjoyed "sailing" with you for the last 3 years. You have become friends even that we have never met. Congratulations on completing your journey thus far. I look forward to your new adventures.

[@bryanking6239]

I started to following you when you were in South Africa. I love your videos!

[@ksc743]

Same!🇿🇦

[@garyrolf4723]

Thanks so much guys i had the box of tissues ready before i pressed play heheeh. Take care and thanks so much for being part of my life.😀

[@DDixon3121]

Eric and Susan Hiscock would be extremely proud of what you've accomplished. Like them, you've proved a couple can achieve great things. Good luck in your next adventure.

[@billwood1101]

From your beating heart in the face of an angry elephant, to racing a pair of water buffalos across a mud field, to the atmospheric prism chasing a satellite launch plume, some of the most memorable moments you sailors have given us are land based. Now, as you are land based in preparation for your next chapter, I salute you. Your story telling and videography are top drawer. Thank you for the past seven years. Fair winds and following seas!

[@jimfernish5143]

Thank you for sharing your adventures over the last seven years. Your channel is special due to the content and not using bikinis to gain viewers.

[@edwardpardy7866]

From a small corner in Alberta Canada, my wife and I shared happy tears on your amazing home coming, and have watched you from square one. Thank you for inspiring us on our journey to build a boat and follow in your steps. We wish you the absolute best in future! SV Antares.

[@mattandtamsin]

New captains hour drinking game, down two fingers every time Amy or Matt tear up in this episode. Loved every minute of it. Just a wonderful celebration of your grand voyage. Hope it gave you both some appreciation of how much love, happiness and inspiration your wonderfuly crafted stories have given to all your followers, friends and family xxx #BBC #makeadocumentary #please

[@berndbornhauser1423]

What a journey, what a couple! You guys truly are an inspiration. CONGRATULATIONS for your completed circumnavigation and a MASSIVE THANK YOU for taking us along!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@rickpetrinack1540]

Matt and Amy hi from Alberta Canada. Welcome home and congratulations on your amazing achievement. I really appreciate your commitment to sailing whenever possible. Enjoy some extended time on land planning your next journey with Florence.

[@christinehammell6365]

Thankfully had tissues at the ready . Amazing homecoming . Really looking forward to the next leg of the journey xx

[@jig2051]

An amazing achievement! Well done!

[@rudiposthumus7798]

Bravo Zulu sailors. Congratulations on an incredible achievement and thank you for taking us along for the adventure. You're an inspiration to us all and looking forward to the next chapter.

[@castlerc]

Looking through the comments I and everyone else must say you’re both extraordinary people. Very well done and deserved homecoming. Much respect and appreciation from Florida USA. 🍻👍😊

[@julianmarksuk]

Just a brief note to say how inspirational your videos have been. I now have a boat of my own. I have spent last seasonin the solent but hope to venture further in 2024. Congratulations on your epic journey and safe return. Thank you so much!

[@simongear3940]

Welcome home. You guys are simply exceptional. It’s been a pleasure following your adventures over the years. You make by far and away the best sailing videos on KZbin and am quietly delighted you are not going to be stopping!! Enjoy your time back on home soil. Thanks again

[@potterkelly487]

I watched a couple of months ago you being filmed coming in. I cried. I am again teary eyed, watching your view coming in.BC, Canada ❤️❤️

[@hughburgess4168]

Ep. 172 Guys that was wonderful. What a tribute to all the fabulous videos you have created over 7 years. Florence leading the fleet into Portsmouth was majestic! So pleased that you got such a warm welcome home. You deserve it. ⛵️

[@yvonnekneeshaw2784]

🏆 well done & congrats to Matt & Amy on your marvellous achievement … thanks for letting us join you 🏆

[@mojoneko8303]

2:41 The one feeling you two will never have is the regret of not doing your circumnavigation. Congratulations. I can't imagine the two of you living on the hard for very long any time soon. I'll be watching your future travels. Thanks for the video. 🙂

[@sywert]

Welcome home. What an achievement! It was an absolute joy and inspiring following the two (or three, including the boat) of you all these years during your adventures. Thank you so much.

[@tonyruth4723]

It was a pleasure watching your adventure. Thank you for sharing......

[@chrisnegele6875]

My favourite two sailors by far on You tube I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ for all 172 videos because I have watched and enjoyed them all. Congratulations on an epic journey and I really look forward to what is coming next.

[@Sailing.Poor.Richard]

I've been following/catching up for just part of 2023, and got very teary eyed ... I watched as much as I could when I first got the email notice but had work to do, then later I watched it fully with my wife on the big screen. Congratulations on your monumental achievement!

[@bowdezaufa2609]

What a great award with the welcoming party...well deserved! Congratulations 🎉!

[@vonbraun9697]

Thank you for all these films. Great achievement, great example of team work.

[@kimberlyonseastar]

❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 we love you Matt and Amy. We’re 66 and 68 and setting off on a cruising journey soon. Tracy and Kimberly in SV SeaStar

[@annettemay5743]

Welcome Home Florence and thankyou for bring home your two Captains. And thankyou for taking us on your journey. And now for the rebuild. So exciting from Australia.

[@christopherhutchings9621]

God Bless y'all fro Texas. So glad you are home, but thrilled that y'all are going to continue, mucho love and respect.

[@craigreynolds2539]

Oh no, Thank YOU! Well done and here’s to the next adventure.

[@benb.4217]

Magnificent arrival for magnificent couple, Welcome back home ! 🙏🎉💐

[@thomasstuder1624]

No wonder this was emotional for you. I was tearing up just watching the video. You have produced beautiful episodes throughout your journey. Thank you for sharing the adventure with us.

[@lerkzor]

I'm not surprised at your reception. You have touched many lives with your adventures. Welcome home!

[@judd_s5643]

I’ve followed you for all these years…thank you for taking us along.

[@Trajectionable]

"Epic" is used endlessly in popular culture. This is one of the precious few times it's actually warranted and deserved. What a story. I've a hunch it'll be deserved once the refit coverage comes out too. Go, Florence!

[@looksea2me]

Well done Matt and Amy, A very emotional return. Thank you for taking us with you on your adventure

[@athelstanodan5670]

You two earned that reception. Your quality is worth every admiration.

[@badgerdog9898]

WOW, congratulations to Matt and Amy. What a massive achievement not many people have done. I'm so happy for you and so inspired by your bravery and skill. You two look amazing and Florence looks amazing, she has served you well. Good luck on your refit and continued endeavors.

[@jcfgh]

Fantastic. What an achievement. Not wasting your time on earth!

[@rodking3111]

Welcome home Matt and Amy. What an achievement over the last seven years. Thank you ever so much for taking us on your journey around the world. It has been an amazing adventure, one I have thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated often waiting excitedly for the next episode. I am so glad you got the home coming you both so thoroughly deserved. Very emotional, I wish I could have been there. Good luck on your next adventure of which I am eagerly awaiting. So, from Queensland Australia, hooray and for your next adventure, “fair winds” Again thank you.

[@imscanon]

Beginning of the year was hectic for me, so I guess I missed this one. Saw the next one pop up and thought, wup, better go watch the homecoming first. I was waiting for this one. Knew I'd cry. So glad you got a proper welcome. CONGRATULATIONS! I know you're humble, but truly, it's an exciting feat to accomplish and you should be very proud. I did feel Matt's pride while sailing in surrounded by all the boats and Amy's when she was looking at all the flags you had up. As for me, it's just so satisfying to see channels I've been watching for YEARS complete their journeys around the world. It's like I completed it with you and I'm so thankful for this journey around the world you've shared with us. I have learned so much, grown so much, and experienced so much right along with you, just without the ocean breeze and mosquitoes. lol Thank you! I look forward to seeing the next adventure. Well.Freaking.Done you two!! Woot!

[@SVImpavidus]

Well done Guys. We left around the same time but got locked down in Italy and then Sicily. Say hi to the great team at Premier Marinas, Port solent. Our home for so many years. Sail Safe Guys, Ant & Cid. xx

[@heleendejaeger2957]

Crying just watching this episode. You deserve all these celebrations!

[@tomdunn1254]

Well done and congratulations on great achievement. Noticed the South African flag on you boat. Take care and I am looking forward to your next videos. Wish that I could have been there to welcome you back to the UK.

[@ctwriter1670]

Hi folks. Kurt from Sandy Hook, CT/US here. Been following you guys around the world, living vicariously. Loved this homecoming video. You guys are the sweetest and genuine… which is exactly why you deserve the lovely homecoming. What goes around comes around right? :-) Stay well and see you in the next adventure !

[@donaldhoudek2889]

Congratulations on circumventing the world! Not many people on this planet can say that they have accomplished that. I cannot wait until you start your next journey. Thanks for all the GREAT videos! Keep them coming

[@raycarlson1342]

Well done, congratulations, an amazing achievement and so many wonderful videos. Thank you for taking me with you. I look forward to your next adventure. Many thanks and all the luck in the World. RayC

[@brendanwhite3731]

Well come home I'm looking forward to see you on the water again. I thought you chow us the work your doing on the boat I think it interesting as 7 years of sailing has taken a lot out of your boat weather storms equipment and sails etc I myself would love to see the new Florence refit plus how the work is do and what involved something like other,s on KZbin (Sail Life ) it would be interesting to see. Welcome Home and all the best for you new adventure. Brendan Ireland 🇮🇪

[@ferry6497]

Followed all your episodes, the whole adventure but this one almost made cry as well😉 Welcome back Matt & Amy!!⛵️⛵️

[@bummibaer7038]

Welcome, thanks for everything.

[@Bill_N_ATX]

I joined you as you went through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific and the beautiful South Pacific only to get stranded with you as the pandemic closed everything down. Every single time I got aggravated by my issues, I imagined being stuck with you guys. But we all got through it. I’m glad you made it home and I await the next adventure. Enjoy your time at home and rest up a bit.

[@dancox3794]

After years, you have made me extremely happy, proud. And sad that this chapter is over.

[@donzie13]

Bravo! Awesome! My husband and I were both crying tears of joy for you both! Thank you for the journey and look forward to the new one!

[@gregorywatson4775]

Congratulations Matt and Amy. I ran across your videos by accident and binge watched till I caught up. I really have enjoyed watching yawl. Continue on and be safe. I will continue waiting and watching for your videos. Again CONGRATULATIONS from Indiana.

[@rosewood1]

congratulations on a fabulous achievement. It's a very big world out there. Few people really get to travel slow enough and comprehensively enough to appreciate this. Well done.

[@spacewalktraveller1]

A big congratulations, it has been a lot of fun following you both around the world. I've been a patron since your started doing it, and I'll continue to support you as I love following your adventures. I really wish you both all the best on the next leg of your adventures.

[@globalkiteapparel1891]

And the greatest gift Florence has given is the inspiration to so many young people to take to the ocean, and of course getting you both home safely. Well done Florence

[@Jakawere1]

Such a wonderful time to share with us. Matt, as a man I must say you got a gem for a wife. Amy is such a calming personality and so are you. I have been a avid follower for close to five years and always look forward to you absolutely wonderful and professionally produced videos. Keep it up guys.

[@artsmith103]

Not married. At least not in KZbin time.

[@sailwiththegales]

Congratulations - you so deserve the very warm welcome home that you received! You've certainly been an inspiration to us in terms of learning to sail (in our 50's!) and trying cruising as an alternative lifestyle - thanks for everything you do and share!

[@talesofcanterbury42]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

[@philipwright7186]

You got the homecoming you so deserved, I was welling up just watching it. Thank you for taking us on your journey, it's been spectacular. Congratulations to you both, and I'm so looking forward to Florence's next adventure.

[@fifich6953]

🎉🥂🍾🥂🍾🎉🎉 How emotional and beautiful sailing people are! I still shed tears over sailing stories. I can't say what it is but it's magic. 7 years is quite a chapter in your life. Congratulations. We are 7 years living on board, unfortunately we are not free completely to leave. Hale sailing community. Bravooooo🙏🏼🥰⛵

[@FrazerMcLachlan]

I started watching your videos during lock-down when i was working from home and was instantly hooked. I just live in a small flat in Glasgow and have had no previous sailing experience in all my life, but your weekly videos swept me away to wonderful places and time away from my flat. Truly inspiring. Thank you Amy & Matt for sharing your wonderful adventure with us all and many congratulations on your epic voyage. Fx

[@patsymitchell6365]

Congrats Matt and Amy, a fabulous achievement and your video brought back so many memories of the conflicting emotions we also felt. We met you behind Fraser Island when we were sailing on Mr. Micawber, and again at Stradbroke when you came aboard for a beer. You were obviously on a budget, like we had been years ago, cos you came with a beer each! Ha ha! Ah the good old days! We have been watching your efforts ever since, and look forward to more, cheers, and well done, Dave and Patsy.

[@carltontweedle5724]

I remember coming back to pompey in 82.I was on RFA OLNA after a little backside kicking to a certain nation. I saw my family on the dock it took me 20 minutes to stop the tears. Same with you. Congratulations.