Accompanying Steve on his final leg home was 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 Dean & Reddyhoff, which has supported Steve for many years.

Dean & Reddyhoff Operations Director, James Beaver, 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’