Lat: 08:54.9 S: Long: 140:05.9 W Time out from Nuku Hiva, Marquesas, rejoining in Rangiroa, Tuamotus, French Polynesia

My journey back home took 49 hours, door to door, including two ten-hour transits, one in Tahiti, the other in Los Angeles. My luggage arrived five days later, without an apology or offer of compensation from Virgin – but it was well worth it.

The time flew by. I just had long enough to see Fiona’s beautiful little boy, Blake, arrive safely into the world (an incredibly moving water birth); fall in love all over again with grandsons, Jack and Harry, and catch up with family and a few friends.  After four months of relentless  heat when it was impossible to cool down I was really looking forward to some British Springtime chilliness but after a couple of weeks  of grey skies, rain and sleet , I was ready to scorch again.

Meanwhile, back on board Sulana, Alan, Will and Jack had a great Boys’ Own time while on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas. They went quad-biking, on a tour of the island, snorkelling, diving and thoroughly enjoying themselves at what Alan has described as “the highlight of the trip so far” – a special event laid on by the local people which featured music, dancing, demonstrations of Polynesian handicrafts and an impressive banquet cooked in underground ovens, covered in palm leaves and left to simmer for hours on end. The food was delicious.

He even has a special souvenir of the occasion.