Round the world yachtsman Steve White will be returning with his boat ‘Toe In The Water’ to his home port of Weymouth on Thursday the 9 th of April. Steve set off last October onboard the then ‘Spirit of Weymouth’ to fulfil his dream and race around the world in the gruelling ‘Everest of sailing’, the Vendee Globe. Out of 30 competitors Steve crossed the line to finish in 8th position.

Accompanying Steve on his final leg home will be sailing legend Sir Robin Knox Johnston ‘I felt a tremendous empathy with Steve. He had no financial support to speak of, but his determination to succeed, backed by his supportive family, meant he had a greater motivation than most – and he succeeded, to join a very special club of 173 solo circumnavigators’.

Now that he is back in home waters, Steve will be based at the brand new Portland Marina at Osprey Quay. He has secured his berth thanks to sponsorship from local marina operator Dean & Reddyhoff, which has
supported Steve for many years
.
The 600-berth marina at Portland opened on 1st April and is the largest single marina to be constructed in the UK for fifteen years. In 2012, it will form part of the venue for hosting the sailing events for the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games
.
James Beaver, Operations Director at Dean & Reddyhoff, said: “Huge congratulations to Steve and his team on this fantastic result. We are very proud to support Steve and are really looking forward to welcoming him to Portland Marina.”

‘This will complete my journey’ said Steve ‘ It’s been six months since I left Portland harbour at 3 o’clock in the morning for my trip down to Les Sables d’Olonne and the start of the Vendee Globe, it will be great to get the boat home’

Steve is expected to arrive between 2pm and 4pm in the Town Quay alongside the Royal Dorset Yacht Club.