Pete

I just finished reading "Close to the Wind". It was given to me by a great friend whom I sail with. I am amazed and imressed by your stamina and your journey, both as a sailor and as a person. I can relate to your struggle with ignorance and arrogance as well as your focus on the core values and simple and robust solutions. May you have many more exiting and rewarding journeys, but hopefully not as challenging as the Vendee.

Niels

Hi Pete

My husband and I just read Close to the Wind, and wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed it, crying with fear and joy and relief in several places. We have had some hairy times aboard our S/V Steamy Windows, although not to the same degree, obviously, and it brought back many memories of knockdowns and terror. We wish we had read your book beforehand, although we, too, found the courage to survive. You are an inspiration, and we salute you.

Kind regards.

Caylie and David Jeffery

Hi Pete

Just to say how fantastic the book 'close to the wind' was, which was presented to me by my son. Abslutely brillient reading and I hope to have the sincere pleasure to shake your hand one day. You are a very brave person to go through all that. Thank you so much for sharing it and bloody well done too. I am taking my skipper certificate this month in Falmouth and I'm pretty scared even of that!

Many many good wishes.

Melanie Meehan

Hi Pete

I heard you speak at the VPMA congress in Oxford last weekend and I enjoyed it so much,you have inspired me again to look for a new challenge.

I have recently come back from completeing Base Camp Mount Everest the hardest of the four treks I have completed for charity, I could really relate to the low moments you mentioned and then the feeling when you get through them and reach your goal is some how addictive. Everyone keeps saying to me "what next" and I am not sure how I can top what I have done.

Thank you again for an inspiring talk

Helen Kington

I have just finished reading your book 'Close To The Wind' very good story really enjoyed it so keep up the good work and all the best for the future.

Good Morning Pete, I red "Close to the Wind" during my last holiday in Sardegna Island, I'm very happy to thank you for this wondeful book and to know now a litle bit of your life and experience. I'm a novice sailor and it was very useful to know and to learn through your life.

Thank you and I hope to know you in future in Italy or in any other place in the world.

Antonio Lippiello

Thanks for the great talk at Falmouth last night Pete. What a fantastic trip. We wish you well in your future projects and will follow Spirit with interest.

All the Best

Mike

Great to see your boat recently.

With best wishes.

Hi Pete

We have been down to see your lovely ship down Queenscliff.   And in wonderment we wonder how you all got out here as she is so tiny.  It's a wonderful achievement.  Keep up the dream, your ancesters would be proud of you all.

Regards

Trisha and Dave

I just can say...AMAZING!  I am from Ecuador and read about the "Spirit of Mystery" in an article in the Reader's Digest. I got truly amazed about your trip.  Keep being the type of person who inspires others to fullfil their dreams. Congrats!

Dear Everyone connected with the great adventure, Living in Mousehole, next to Newlyn (as if you didn't know); I am looking out on a choppy sea with about 10 small handline boats catching mackerel.  It is about 7am and these fishermen are already working and strugglng against the sea. Sea going men are real men.

I have followed the voyage of the Spirit of Mystery every day online. What sights, what seas, what disappointments, what achievements, what outstanding bravery.  And now it is rounded off with a wonderful poem by Ben Batten; thank him for me please.

Best wishes from

Brian Martin

Happy Easter to you all.

Pete, read the article in YW. You did a fantastic thing! Good luck in the future!

Cheers Mats

Fantastic !! I was following your every knot.

My friend told me about you and I just want to say what you do is awsome. I used to sail, but had an accident and ended up spending 26 hours floating in the Gulf of Mexico without a life jacket. Fortunately the 4 other guys had their jackets and I was able to hold onto them. I had my life jacket, but when the keel broke off of the boat it rolled upside down and I was down below and was unable to get out with my life jacket. I hope to one day sail again, but have not found the courage to do it. Your stories have given me the courage to sail again, I just need to find someone to sail with. Well good luck on you next voyage.

Fair winds and following seas.

Steven Guy

It was great to meet Pete last Thursday and see the boat first hand.

Thanks Pete for the brief chat we had and your talk was worth the drive to hear.

Hi Pete and crew

Congratulations on your achievement. The Cornish corner of the U.K must be very proud, as i am, albeit a Lancashire Land Lubber. I hope Mark's leg is recovering nicely.

Also, what an achievement for young Eliot. (Reminiscent of: "Give me the Boy and i'll show you the Man") What a star.  Braver men have walked away from lesser endeavours.

Many thanks for exciting blog over the past 5 months. More interesting and entertaining than Howards Way or the Onedin Line!

I am looking forward to your next epic adventure, wherever it may be. No doubt it will be another bone shaker. Perhaps kayaking up Victoria Falls, ha ha.

Anyway Pete, safe journey home and Best Regards to you and your crew.

Lee

A big thankyou to the "Men of the Spirit" for a wonderful Day at the RVYC on the Sunday 15th.  It was a very special day, and I can't wait to tell all my family when we return to West Penwith in May for a holiday and to show them the photographs of the events.

Dear Pete - A somewhat late message of congratulations to the mighty Cornish 4 on reaching Aus, almost unscathed. A typical Pete adventure and what memories for you all. Also, an affectionate and respectful stroke for the gallant Spirit, and her dogged determination in looking after you and delivering you safely.   

I've really enjoyed your blog, both the hairy moments and the reflective pieces, which so remind me of the Pete we know and admire. 

Good luck with the rest of your plans and hope to see you back soon.  

Warmest wishes to you and your crew.

Martin

Re "RISK"

Here, here!!

Well said Pete and if more parents were like you and Tracey the world would be a much better place.

Eliot has achieved more than any certificate could offer with this voyage.

Great job Eliot - respect!

Well done on getting there - really sorry that Mark had to endure what clearly must have been a harrowing experience.

I have just read your blog on "Risk" - and I must say, with 2 young boys of my own, I found your comments both inspiring and deeply moving at the same time. I am sure Eliot knows that he is a very lucky lad indeed to have the family that he has.  

It was a pleasure meeting you all in Simon's Town and seeing you off on the voyage to Australia.

Come and visit again some day.

Chris Lee  

False Bay Yacht Club  

Simon's Town

Class 1 at Sennen School would like to send our congratulations and wish Mark a speedy recovery. We hope our bear made it safely.

Andy & Family

Congratulations on reaching Australia - what an amazing adventure and thankyou for sharing it with us.

Well done on the success of your passage to Australia - you are an inspiration to all.

Bloody Brilliant!!! True heroes, just brilliant and congratulations!!

A belated round of aplause and congratulations to all four crew and the back-up team. It just goes to show that you can sail anywhere without carbon fibre or any other exotic, costly, high carbon footprint, man made material or GPS. The average speeds Spirit of Mystery & Mystery herself maintained must be a bit of an eye opener to some modern designers. Well done guys.

Kerry and Celia.  

Cornwall. UK

Pete & Tracy

Just found this wonderful website, what a challenge.Must get down to see you all.

Fair sailing keep safe and well.

Chris

Congratulations Pete and all your crew on completing your amazing trip. So sorry to hear about Mark's injury but hope he's recovering well.

All best wishes for a wonderful stay in Australia.

Anne and all the crew at Poole lifeboat station.

CONGRATULATIONS. WELL DONE, WHAT A FEAT.

Well done to you all.

Well done all of you and Best wishes to Mark, I hope he mends well.

I cant be in Melbourne for the 18th but I'll look forward to reading about your talk if it becomes available.

I have followed your journey across the Southern Ocean with interest and awe and find encouragement for my own planned journey across the Indian Ocean later this year.

Congratulations on a fantastic achievement. Enjoy all the celebrations, you deserve them. Best wishes to Mark for a speedy and full recovery. I wonder what is in store for Spirit of Mystery now? All the very best from Hayle, Cornwall.

Congratulations to all those involved in this remarkable adventure. I've just been walking on grebe beach (Helford river) in the sunshine. Bizzarely met an Australian yachtsman who has just beached there.  And got back to discover that you've made it!  Well done, truely inspirational.

Pete and family

Very well done as only you could have. Hope to see you some time in Cornwall.

Very best regards from Jo and Keith

Well done ... my heartiest congratulations to go to all those who repeated the journey after 150 years without using the hi tech navigation, and your OWN built boat Mystery.

Regards,

Congratulations Pete and All the Crew.  A fantastic achievement showing what the human spirit and traditional boatbuilding can withstand when put to the test.  I hope Mark is recovering well. Have a good break before rejoining the rat race.

Very best wishes.

Andy

Many Congratulations, have written several features on you for Cornish World magazine and will continue to do so. No doubt planning the return voyage back to newlyn now anyway despite being a crew member down and injured you managed it.

Well done Pete and the team! Fabulous achievement - hope you recover quickly and enjoy Australia,

Best wishes,

Jason Squibb

It's bloomin' amazing to see you all safe and smiling having reached the end of your voyage. Well done all of you. Crazy to think that not so many months ago this was just an idea and pencil lines on a drawing board.

It's absolutely fantastic and I'm so proud to have met you and had a tiny part in a great project.

With love and best wishes

Alan & Sarah Clarke, Brentor, Devon.

Congratulations on a safe arrival.

Enjoy

Phil

Well done to you all and The Spirit of Mystery for enduring such a tough challenge.

We visited when you were at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth and met Mark. It was bad luck to have the broken leg but you made it to Australia and that's the important thing.

What a fantastic experience to have given Eliot. Many contratuations to you all.

Many congratulations. What a voyage and a last leg. The daily blog has been unmissable. Courage team work and skill what an example to everyone. It also makes me proud to know what my ancestors did and to have met you and your team.

Hi guys. Pete we chatted to you from "Nellie" couta boat as you entered the bay. I have some reasonable photos and footage taken as the sun rose on that lovely morning you may be interested in. You will have to come down to Queenscliff and we will take you out on "Nellie" all the best.

Cheers Russ

Enormous congratulations to each one of you for the completion of the voyage, for the way you each dealt with that last grim storm and for a blog full of wonder the whole voyage through. Rest well and enjoy Australia!

Sue and Arthur.

Congratulations we are so proud of you all. The blogs have been a picture of your trip and we feel we have shared it with you.

Thank you.

Proper job! Wish we had been there on the quayside to celebrate with you...the blog has been riveting and we shall miss checking it daily though we are daring to hope it may just continue as Spirit has to return to Cornwall "somewhen".

Your voyage has been an inspiration and following the blog has cheered up the winter and has been a real help in balancing all the stuff going on here.Enjoy Auss!  Congratulations to all the crew completing an amazing adventure

Stuart, Hannah and Sue from Northpoint

Congratulations to you all, what an amazing journey it must have been!

Enjoy a well deserved rest!

Re Pete's latest regarding Eliot, I completely agree with the thoughts. I feel that the message needs a wider audience. Too many parents seem to think that it's other peoples' responsibility to develop and look after their children. I am sure that Elliot will look back on this trip as one of the highlights of his life, so far, it will last him for a very long time. He is lucky to have Pete as a father and mentor.

George

Well done Pete and all the crew. Your last entry about risk is very well written and I agree 100%. I hope I can offer my young son the same opportunities you have given to Eliot. 

Congratulations again.

Well done to you all. Great job proud to see this fantastic epic journey completed. Take a break everyone, by hell you deserve it. (knowing your reputations that won't happen).

We wish you well.

Alice and Paul

Hey you have all done a great job. I have lived in Melbourne for over two years but originally come from Gwithian so great to see the St. Piran flag being flown.

Will be heading down soon to see the boat!

Hi Pete and crew, first of all let me say how good it was to hear when I was driving to work on Monday that you had arrived safely in Melbourne, I was relaying the final installments to my fellow workers about your progress, they think I am mad but after all they are Devonions!  It was good to go on your blog this evening and see that there was more to read, it is going to be really strange not looking for your progress each night, looking forward to reading your book about it if you write one.  Hope there is a welcome home planned when you arrive back in Cornwall.  If there is we look forward to being there to greet you. Have a good rest in Melbourne and once again WELL DONE.

Glad to hear all safe and well, would appreciate if you could let Mark (Mary) know that an old shipmate and his folks back in Ipswich read of the accident and would like to wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. Would be good to get in touch. Well done and all the best.

Hi Pete & Crew

Congratulations on a successful voyage, how about coming to the Lugger 'do' in Looe in early June? we will give you a race!

Norman & Mike Laity The Dolly Pentreath Lugger St Ives Cornwall

Hi pete has everything gone well, I've heard that you had to get a helicopter but you are on your way to Australia and you have still got a little way to go.

From Albert age 7 years old

Well done to you all and to Mark for sailing ALL the way to OZ. A fantastic project, and taking your son along is to be COMMENDED not condemned. Young people get so little chance to experience life outside the health and safety cocoon that envelops the majority of them. Adventure should be compulsory for all 12-16yr olds!

Kind regards

Adrian

Congratulations! What a fantastic achievement. We think Eliot has graduated from the University of Life with honours.

So relieved you are all safe and well and hopefull enjoying a well earned rest.

Our best wishes to you all

Julia & Chris Boeree

Dear Pete

I read your blog today....i agree with you 100%. Elliot had a great opportunity and he did extremely well. You can be proud of him. I am sure he enjoyed it. There is no question about taking him along....the risks of life is present in every day life. You are an inspiring person and I think your children are privileged. Thanks for your blog and giving us the opportunity to be able to "travel" with you.

Sandra

WHAT an achievement! you guys are my heros - all of you.

Hearty congratulations on an epic passage and a successfull and triumphant conclusion.

My compliments also on the way technology enabled us all to share the voyage with you through the blog and the tracking software.

Pete - your latest blog entry explaining your reasoning for taking Eliot was brilliant too and I so much agree with it.

Enjoy your rest lads you have done a hell of a job.

Mike (in the Isle of Man)

Congratulations to you all - what a wonderful achievement. Have followed your blogs since you left and have nothing but admiration for you all.

Well done.

Anne Jones (TMSC)

Somehow the sight of St Piran's flag in the final photos seems to round up an epic voyage which was so much about the enduring spirit of Cornwall.

You have achieved something really special and I doubt if any of you will find it slipping below first place in your memories.

Of course you had to use the motor to manage Mark's injury and get him ashore as fast as possible, and afterwards there was little point in insisting on sailing and rowing to the end--but I bet there is a niggling regret somewhere!

That fine picture of the three of you in the bow holding up St Piran's flag as you storm along is great. I wonder who was steering?

Congratulations.

John T

To all the guys. From the very start to the end of this journey I have followed daily and prayed that you would arrive safe. Some time ago I collected some lead for the bottom of the boat and its amazing to think that from the garden shed where it was found, that it has now travelled such a huge journey.  

I am glad to hear you are all safe (despite Marks set back!!) and wish you all the very best, with such a tremendous acheivement. What a fantastic opportunity for Eliot to have had with his Dad. Stuff dreams are made of. 

Have an enjoyable break (no pun intended) and see you all home safe and sound soon.

Good luck Mark with your recovery.

Hello Pete, I still have a much treasured hand written post card of yours. I just want to offer our heartfelt congratulations on this wonderful achievment. You are one of the greatest of role models for young people. My wife and I are so glad that 'He' watched over you on this epic journey. Our congratulation to the rest of the crew and to all those who contributed to your success.

Our Love and Best Wishes,

Clem and Maureen O'Mara of Barrnstaple

Congratulations on your wonderful achievement, Jean would have been so proud of you. Enjoy our holiday with Tony and Marion

Barrie and Di Stephens

Torpoint

Hi Pete and crew,great to see that you have reached Melbourne safely.Hope that Mark is on the road to recovery now?.

Cheers Trevor

Hi Pete & Crew

Been following your adventure online, fantastic Blog's.  Congratulations on a huge achievement.

Best regards

Alan Dench

To one 'old' ex-Dockyard Tuggie from another, Well Done to Pete and his crew.

Please send Pete and his crew our hearty congratulations on completing a fantastic journey. I am sure Vikki will have been with him all the way and she would be as proud as punch. I am at the moment looking at her smiling face in front of me and I know she is there with them.

Congratulations again. Joyce and Phil, Vikki's neighbours.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL !!!!

Fantastic effort ; what a great experience.

Not a lot else to say after reading every word on your weblog, recounting all the experiences. I can't wait to read the book... assuming there will be one.

Great job guys,

Nick

Congratulations on completing what must have been an amazing journey!!!

What a brave, high spirited, inspirational group you are.  

How lucky I am to have experienced even just a moment of the strength and get a closer look into this voyage.

I am Kirsty Hill, of Portland, Victoria, Australia, and I got the call early Saturday morning about a coast guard rescue that was to happen at noon. I am the photographer for the Portland Observer and was sent down to capture what I could of everything occuring.

I'd not been aware of what had happened, but was filled in as I headed down.  

I captured it all, piece by piece, and still as I look at the photos, it brings warmth and smiles.

You all had the highest of spirits, a smile that showed me strength.

I can't really get my mind away from the journey you've taken, and thought I'd look up some further information online after seeing that group photograph I took, (where you smiled at me and game me a thumbs up, telling me it was excellent to see another photographer) get on the front page yesterday :)    

You've inspired me, and given me an even bigger outlook.

You're wonderful, and i wish your arrival in Portland wasn't due to the broken leg, but for a more pleasant reason.

I'm sure though that all were looked after and I see you arrived safe in Melbourne.

All the best for the rest of the journey ahead. to wherever you flee, and however you get there.

Thank you again, for this opportunity to get in amongst it, as this is the most fascinating story I've photographer yet.

(I've only been working in this job for a month)

Take care.

Kirsty

Congratulations Pete and crew.

What an achievement, I reckon those original Cornishmen were watching over you especially in the last few days.

Thanks for the daily reports, most enjoyable.

Looking forward to hearing your account first hand next week.

Cheers

Ray

Oh, well done everybody! so glad you made it safely and (almost)intact. What an enormously impressive achievement, building and sailing, and what a beautiful boat she is. I watched you go out of Newlyn back in October last year, and have been following the journey everyday. Hope Mark heals quickly, and you all have a good rest.

Jean

Many, many congratulations! Utterly superb .... breath taking and incredible to share with you in this great adventure!

Cheers!

John

Mark - it sounded really hairy on Pete's blog update.  Glad you are all through it and can now enjoy time ashore with friends and family.  Hope the leg isn't giving you too much jip, looking forward to catching up with you shippers (you should qualify for extra legroom on the flight at any rate - look on the bright side!).

Cheers

Craig

Pete, we were colleagues in the PYBT a dozen years ago and I have followed your exploits ever since. Heartiest congratulations on your success, enjoy the shore leave. Margaret and I look forward to the sequel of 'Close to the wind'.

Eliot

You are going to find school so dull!! Well done to you all, what an amazing challenge.

Kim

Cornwall

Gents,

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mark a speedy recovery from his broken leg. As you are aware, our crews provided support to you over two days and dropped medical supplies to your vessel.

I extend an invitation to visit our operation at Essendon Airport, Melbourne.

I would like to commend you, as a crew, in your efforts whilst we had contact with you. Your professionalism and seamanship were first class and made our work easier.

Best regards,

Deane Alty

Congratulations Pete and to your courageous crew.  An epic voyage in such a fine stout wooden lugger. You have brought home to us all what a fantastic voyage the original Cornish crew achieved.  You should all be proud and your families and friends too!  Enjoy your next few days in Melbourne with the Australian families and your many new friends and admirers.  A job well done, cheers gallant crew,

Bagnall Twins

Lymington.

Delighted you are all safe and have arrived, your trip has given us so much pleasure to share in your adventure. Thank You.

David & Dawn Vickers

Congratulations to all. What an achievement! Hope you enjoy your reunions with friends and families. We have missed welcoming you into Melbourne by 2 weeks, but our friends over there will hopefully experience the site and email us.Best wishes to Mark and a speedy recovery. If you catch up with Colin Merry tell him to behave, and we're sure he'll tell us more of the experience when we next see him at TRSC.

Congratulations to all of you from everyone down at the Millbrook Football Club.

Congratulations on reaching Melbourne!! What an awesome achievement and well done to you all!! Have a great time with family and friends and look forward to catching up with you all when you're back in Cornwall!!

Love from Joan, Dick, James, Tom and Alex

Congratulations on the completion of an epic journey in a boat that stood up so well, I'm sure i speak for all us Cornishmen and women when I say we are all so very proud of you all on this achievement, WELL DONE BOYS.!

To one 'old' ex-Dockyard Tuggie from another, Well Done to Pete and his crew.

Chin up Guys .... Fantastic seamanship ...God bless the Cornish Lugger design. Good wishes to Mark.Safe sailing for the rest of the voyage!

Since meeting you guys in Cape Town and being back at home we have been following your voyage and reading the daily updates. Mark, we are so sorry to hear about your accident. It's really no fun having a broken leg on a rocking vessel and so close to the end of your adventure as well.

We wish you a quick and painless recovery. Thinking of you all. Our prayers are with you. A special note to Eliot. Your are such a brave little boy or most probably now a great man. Take care. God speed to you all.

Regards Grant and Hester Bartholomew

We have been following your journey daily, very sorry to hear about Marks accident.  Good luck with the rescue operation and our thoughts are with Pete,Eliot and Andy for the rest of the adventure..... nearly there!

Owch !!

Good luck with the evacuation and recovery Mark. There are a lot of people watching your progress and wishing you well.

Paul Melbourne

Wow just found out about your near capsize, your all very lucky, the Tasmanian sea sounds nasty, what a great lugger you all have built she will see you right.

Hope you all reach your goal soon, and crack open a few cold ones you deserve it.

Arron

from Newlyn

Hi Pete. Real sorry to hear on the news about Mark such a shame with the end in sight.Hope the evac goes alright, Looking forward to your safe arrival.

Best wishes to all.

Regards

John blanchard

Best wishes to you all in the final stages of your epic journey. Well done. We all hope that Mark is ok, Keep safe and all the family are thinking of you all.

Bruce

What a disaster, just when it was looking like you would get through your epic journey unscathed. Hope Mark iscomfortable and soon sorted out by the medics. Also that you are all coping ok with being a man down.

Do celebrate St. Piran's Day anyway, Kernow Bys Vyken! We will raise a glass to you all tonight.

Wow! wasn't expecting that! just caught the local news here in Devon, rushed up and read the reports on the web site, a real bummer for Mark and also the other lads not going to arrive together after 11000 odd miles. Thoughts are with you all tonight.

Peter

So sorry to learn abt the incident, so close to target. Good luck to them all.

RG

Pete and the Crew

Hope Mark is ok and that the winds are fair on the final stage of your epic journey. We have all been following your fantastic adventure, which is an inspiration.

Thanks, Julian

So sorry to hear of Marks broken leg and damage caused by the freak wave. From the village of East Budleigh in Devon, birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh, we send best wishes for a safe passage to Melbourne.

Sue Pyne

Thinking of you all- how unfortunate to have a storm of that magnitude on the final stretch of your journey! Well done to have almost completed the voyage and hope Marks leg heals quickly. Love and best wishes to you all.....Joan, Dick, James, Tom and Alex xxxxx

Dear Pete

I have been quietly watching your progress with the voyage with interest. I wish you all on board the best particularly with Marks broken leg.  

Well Done mate!  

Chris Francis

We are mother and daughter, (Penny in Devon, Antonia living in South France!) and have been following Spirit of Mystery's journey avidly, thinking of you all (those left at home too!)lots especially during storms, and enjoying the calm bits.  You don't know us but the team has been part of our life since the journey started.  We are thinking of you all now after the big storm and wish you good speed and good wind for the rest of the journey.  We'll be celebrating with you when you get here, Penny and Antonia

Hi Pete and crew. Good luck for the remainder of your voyage. By chance, I am in Melbourne Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March and will aim to get over to Williamstown. Tony ( former crew member Group 4, British Steel Challenge, now living in Hobart, Tas, Aus).

This afternoon I took my golden retriever down for a walk by the fishing wharf.  To my surprise there was 'Spirit of Mystery' just departing her berth.

I've been following your adventures from when you left Cornwall.  I even wrote earlier that I was hoping to see you pass through Port Phillip Bay Rip.  Never did I expect to see you guys here in Portland.  I guess I should have read your blogs this morning.

By hook or by crook I hope Mark can make it to see your arrival and berthing in Melbourne.

Well done guys.

Sorry to read about Mark, but am glad that things are settling down.  Also still even happier that you all can finish the trip without anything worse happening.

Blessings on you all (and your backup crew)

Hi all

My goodness,what strength of team work you have all shown and how very sad for Mark at this late stage.  I like the choice of book 'Mark' (No pun intended Bookmark Ha!)

To have lost all that equipment as well must be very frightening as even though you are nearing land it the Sea can still be a very unforgiving place to be. However in trying to recreate such a voyage am sure that those above are with you.

A thank you also to Stu and Mandy for keeping us and the media informed.

So as always Take care and be safe.

Kate and John

Hi Guys,  

Just a quick note to say we're thinking of you all and especially Mark. After what must have been a very difficult week.  

As always we continue to be inspired by you all and those 7 brave fishermen who started the whole thing off.  

What a great Little Ship "Spirit" is, as you say Pete, a knockdown is a hard thing for any vessel and she came through with flying colours, remaining a safe haven for her crew. A credit to you and Chris and all those who built her.

We'll raise a glass to you and look forward to hearing about it when your home.

Love and best

Nick and Sarah Booth

Congratulations on superb seamanship, courage & valour.Sincere commiserations to Mark - just love that smile! Now he can write the sequel that THAT book! Very best wishes to all - see you on land!

Love, Pat & Tracey (ex-Swan Hill)

Congratulations on superb seamanship, courage & valour.Sincere commiserations to Mark - just love that smile! Now he can write the sequel that THAT book! Very best wishes to all - see you on land!

Love, Pat & Tracey (ex-Swan Hill)

Everyone at DAZL, including our groups from this term, are sending all our thoughts and best wishes to you all, especially Mark. Wishing you a very safe final few days - Pat

Congratulations on completing your epic voyage. Eliot what a great thing you have achieved. Well done all of you.

Carol

Hi fellas, great to see you all got to be together at journeys end. Brilliant work great spirit,wonderful to share a tiny part of you adventure with you, warmest regards Rohan and Cyril from Portland. Please feel free to vist us any time, safe travels and many more excellent adventures.

Hi Crew

Unbelievable job.

Pete when you get back home make sure that lad of yours gets a OBE.

Well done.

Michael Beck

Just had the great pleasure of seeing Spirit Of Mystery safely dock in Williamstown, Melbourne, Australia - bright sunny day, the Cornish out in force and a happy looking and sounding Pete and crew - congrats and welcome all round!

I filmed you sailing out of Newlyn harbour and cant believe youve made it to Melbourne, unreal wish i could be there to see you arrive, just watched your vid of the storm hairy stuff. Enjoy your first cold one.

Arron - from Newlyn

Best wishes from all of us at Quay Sailing Club, and there's a beer waiting for you whenever you and the crew drop in. Hope the burgee survived the knockdown!

Its been great following your trip, with the daily ritual of logging on to the web site but tonight its just like our Lively Lady project I don't want to switch off until I know you are sat in the bar (and I must say a very friendly bar) with everyone together having that well earned beer. Well done to the whole team.

Carol

Words fail me....reading your account of the knock-down... You are all truly incredible people. The original seven, I am sure, are well pleased with what you have achieved in their honour. To have briefly been aboard that fantastic little ship with the cup of tea you brewed for me has risen to beyond the top of my memories. I can't think of any words worthy of your feat other than a simple, 'Well done, all of you.'

Thinking of you in Australia - have a great reunion with your loved ones.  

We have done a lot of St. Pirran 'parading' here this week and the Goss 'black and gold' sweat shirt has been warmly - in all ways - worn with Cornish thoughts and prayers with you all every step of the way.

Now - how are you and 'Spirit of Mystery' getting home!?!

A big cheers to you all!

Anne, Fizz and Ben

Congratulations and well done, I have followed your trip intensely.

Congratulations seems such a small word for your achievement! Hope Mark is now ok with his scaffolding in place. Enjoy your time in Australia with family all of you. See you back in the 'promised land' on your return.

Dear Pete,Andy,Mark and Elliot

Reading your blog made me all teary. You guys did a magnificent job!!! We are greatful that you are all safe....We will toast your arrival in Melbourne tomorrow. Mark...hope you are doing fine...I pray for your recovery!

Well done to all of you.  Look forward to seeing you on dry land properly, and when you all come back to England.  Is the Spirit of Mystery going to be brought back to the West Country eventually for us all to see and admire that something has been achieved by a group of people from the South West?  Good luck to you all, have a good rest and come home soon.

Cheerio

Pete,

Well done and thanks for keeping us so well informed.

I believe the model of the Mystery donated to the Melbourne museum by my father ,Richard Kelynack Cocks, has now been found and will be at the celebrations. I am sure you will get a warm welcome from the many Australians with Cornish blood in ther veins.

Michael Kelynack Cocks

Congratulations to you all -- What a sense of achievement to have completed the voyage.Can`t begin imagine what you have all been through, hope Mark`s injury repairs well and we shall look forward to meeting up with you on your return. God Bless you all and your families.

Bill and Jo x

I was very glad to hear that my namesake made it to Australia before being taken to hospital. Wishing Mark a speedy recovery and good luck to all for the final stretch.

Congratulations at reaching Australia guys.

Your incredible bravery, skill and teamwork are again hugely inspiring.

Thanks for sharing it despite such stress.

Tony & Steph

To all the boys on the Spirit of Mystery. Well done-keep your pecker up Mark-you've all made Australia. The lads in 1854 would have been proud of you.You've got a wonderful little Cornish craft.Wish we could all be there to greet you in Melbourne. Please come to Newlyn when you get back. We have been with you all the way.

Congratulations on a wonderful achievment.

Maureen and Brian Huffer (Newlyn)

Many thanks for letting us share your journey, it has been a rare privilege -

we’ll see you in Williamstown tomorrow.

Well done guys you finally made it sorry that Mark got the broken leg but considering what you have had thrown at you came out of it very well.  Hope the leg gets better soon Mark and you have complete recovery.  We admire you all achieving this very difficult and dangerous project.  Maybe we will see Spirit back in Cornwall one day?  Wishing you all the best for the future.

Barry and Val.. Cape Town

As a member of the Victorian C A V and CFHS, a big welcome to Victoria, not only do we share our Cornish Ancestry,I am from a farming background in Swan Hill.

Cheers

I was shocked to learn of the knockdown and relieved that you are OK, but for Mark an asteroid came close to hitting Earth, do you think that was your problem?

Along with Paramedic Rohan Kilby, I had the honour and privilege of treating Mark aboard "Spirit of Mystery" at sea yesterday. I understand Mark is doing well and I hope he can make it to Spirit's arrival in Williamstown. I look forward to catching up with Pete, Eliot, Andy and Mark again in the near future. Regards....Cyril

Dear Pete and all the other heroes!

I read your daily blog with great admiration. It was a priviledge to see you all in Cape Town.I pray for Andy's recovery. Happy and safe sailing to Melbourne. We will toast your arrival.

Sandra and Johann Wessels Canada

Hi Pete  

I've just caught up with the news and learned of your mishap. Though sorry that one of your crew was injured, I'm glad that you all came through otherwise unscathed. It's abit like the fate that befell Yann Elies in the Vendee in the same area, though further south. He was also knocked down by a freak wave and broke a leg and some ribs. This Vendee has been pretty tough with 19 competitors retired out of 30 and the South Indian Ocean was largely to blame. Your old friend Raphael Dinelli is still going, just: he was knocked over in the North Atlantic and broke a rib but he is nearing home. So, with the Indian behind you, here's wishing you all a smoother ride into Melbourne and a much deserved welcome.

Cheers in anticipation.

Stuart Benjamin

Hope you get to Melbourne without any more problems & that Mark is well enough to meet you.Love to all.

Angie and Brian x

I dips me lid! Bloody well done and all the best for Cape Otway and Williamstown. Hope to see you there next week.

Alex

Well Done Lads, we knew you would make it, so sorry about Marks injury, and we wish you a very speedy recovery.  It was with heavy hearts that we received Stuarts message about that terrible storm.  We have followed your blog every day Pete and my cousins will be at Victoria to greet you.  God Bless you all. 

Colyn and Marilyn Thomas. And one from Cornwall. Oggy, Oggy, Oggy.

Hi Pete and team

Fantastic news that Mark is safe ashore. I hope the soldiers wind carries you all safely to Melbourne and your famil

Fair winds and safe sailing.  

Roger

Mark: so near and yet so far! But you guys have done what your predecessors did: sailed a small boat across a wild sea, used the sun to navigate, experienced the wild weather of the southern hemisphere, and soon will arrive in the great land which so many Cornish have helped build - going back to Napier, Phillip Gidley King, William Bligh, Mary and William Bryant, James Ruse and the countless Cornish Cousins who (unbeknown to most Australians) have made an enormous contribution to modern Australia).

Wow! Cornishmen sure knew how to build seaworthy boats from the year dot - and you guys sure know how to sail one of them!!

Who said that sailing is 'only wind and water?' Keep smiling, be safe.

Regards

Jim

Hi Guys

What a shame with that freak wave, you were doing so well, I hope all goes well the next couple of days, and you can enjoy your time at 'The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria' they certainly know how to look after global sailors!!

Carol

Just want to express my support to the whole crew and to Mark. A job well done. What can we say about the sea? As a side, Portland, in Victoria is my birthplace, so welcome to our part of the world.

Thinking of you and sending enormous hugs all round if it helps at all. x

So sorry to learn abt the incident, so close to target. Good luck to them all.

RG

Hi Eliot sorry to here about your accident hope you and your dad are ok, come back soon. Jam and Jam

Hi Mark, Hope everything gets sorted for you soon and you have a quick recovery! Thinking of you, keep up with the sudoku puzzles! I think this could have only happened to you! Take Care Aimee and Marshy x

Hi Guys,

So sorry to hear about the misshap and very relieved to hear you are all safe and almost in one piece. Your acheivement thus far has provided me with almost daily inspiration over the Winter months. Keep it up and enjoy Melbourne, you deserve it!

Sorry to hear you had to suffer another major storm and that Mark ended up with a broken leg. I think it is wonderful what you are doing - all the best nearly finished! I will be thinking of you all. Judy

So sorry to hear about the injuriy, I hope your condition improves. Swing the lead and stay aboard for the last few days. What a pity you could not have come into the gulf of St. Vincent, South Australia, and see the ports that were established by Cornishmen in the era way back.

Scotty

My thoughts are with you all; very best wishes for the final part of your long journey and get well soon wishes to Mark.

Dear Pete and crew, Best wishes. I hope that MArk gets safely to shore and the attention he needs. We are about to head to Tassie . Your incident highlights the perils of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait. Sorry we will miss your talk at RYCV but hop to see the boat on our return. Sue Drummond SV " Folie A Deux"

Hi To Peter and the crew.

Bad luck about Mark, but keep going you are almost there now.

Oggie Oggie Oggie, Oi Oi Oi.

Don't let the Aussies tell you that Aussie Aussie Assuie Oi Oi Oi is there catch cry, they pinched it from the Naval Gun crew back home.

Have a great Land Fall and Well done, fair winds and following seas from now on.

Cheers.

Ted, fomerly of Plymouth and St Austell

Good to read that you are all well despite the knock down and that Mark is cheerful although obviously in pain. We have been watching your progress and know that this slight mishap won't stop you from completing your marvelous voyage.

Hi guys

So many messages for Pete and Mark, and rightly so. Your doing an amazing job and clearly did so well coping with the unfortunate accident. But hey Eliot, well done little cuz for being so brave and getting through a massive event like that. Your doing the family equally as proud as your dad and your fellow crew members. You're a star!

Looking forward to hearing of the last few days of the voyage and your safe arrival, which will be HUGE! celebrations Im sure.

Really sorry we cant be there. Look forward to hearing the stories first hand when we see you next.

Love to all

Gillian and the family x

What a shame that this happened so near the end, on the other hand, how much worse it could have been! I had hoped to get down to meet you guys in Melbourne, but my business dictates I stay in Canberra. All the best to you all, I have not missed a single blog. Its been fantastic reading. Onya Pete!

Jeremy Hart

HI Pete and crew, well your nearly there, I've enjoyed following your trip and reading all the reports and sorry that you will be finishing without Mark, to have come all this way and to have an incident like that when so close must be very hard, but you have a sound ship and crew.

All the best.

Nick Shailer

Hi Guys

Just wanted to say you are a inspiration to all of us. I hope you are all well & enjoy the last part of your journey.  Depending on work commitments I will certainly try & get to Williamstown to meet you all. I hope Mark isn't too disappointed he is certanly very brave.

I have just become aware of this project as it nears its end. What a fabulous project, congratulations to all involved.

Congratulations on completing your epic voyage. Eliot what a great thing you have achieved. Well done all of you.

Carol

Hi Guys,

So sorry to hear about the misshap and very relieved to hear you are all safe and almost in one piece. Your acheivement thus far has provided me with almost daily inspiration over the Winter months. Keep it up and enjoy Melbourne, you deserve it!

Sorry to hear you had to suffer another major storm and that Mark ended up with a broken leg. I think it is wonderful what you are doing - all the best nearly finished! I will be thinking of you all.

Judy

Hello Pete and crew

Nice to see that you are still doing things the hard way.

The huge wave was probably as pleasing as being dragged through the water tunnel on Woodbury Common.

In all seriousness though, i'm relieved that your are all relatively OK, despite Mark's broken leg. A few beers and a Cornish pasty will put that right I'm sure.

So, the moral of today is: KEEP AWAY FROM BIG WAVES.

With my sarcastic and friendly banter over, I wish all of you health and success for the rest of the voyage and, Pete, I'll speak with you soon.

Best Regards

Lee.

Pete and the crew  

I was so sorry to hear of Mark's problem, just when you have got so close to Australia.

However, all good tales need a bit of drama at the end of them, and in many years time, when all injurys are well and truely healed, I think it will only add to the story, and show once more just how well you have all done - and how well the original crew did as well.

It has been an epic journey which I have followed with great envy every day. Have a fantastic welcome in Australia and I look forward to seeing you safe and sound back in Cornwall soon.

You've all been fantastic !

Regards,

Roger Edwards

So sorry to hear about the injuriy, I hope your condition improves. Swing the lead and stay aboard for the last few days. What a pity you could not have come into the gulf of St. Vincent, South Australia, and see the ports that were established by Cornishmen in the era way back.

Scotty

Mark,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Brad

I have been following this adventure since you set off, and am so sorry to hear that so near the end Mark has broken his leg. The crew and their families have really been in my thoughts over the past couple of days, since hearing about the "big blow". I hope the next few days bring calmer weather with a good wind to get you to Australia quickly (even though I don't know what I am going to do once you have arrived and there is no more blog to read!).

Thinking of you all.

Antonia x

Really enjoying the blog. How sad that so close to the end you suffer an injury to the crew, and some horrible conditions by all reports.

"Stiff upper lip and all that"!

Best wishes to you all today, St Pirans Day. We shall raise a glass to you this evening & again on Saturday at Launceston RFC. Just heard of the injuries sustained. Thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Best wishes.

Just read your latest blog, so close and yet so far!  What a time for an accident to happen, ride the storm, safe passage to you and the crew for the last leg of your journey.

Hang in there, guys - only a few more days to go!

Oh....I just read about Mark.... I have been holding my breath for you all in this particular storm.... I just can't tell you how many good thoughts and prayers are winging their way to you all just now... Look after Mark, look after yourselves and I wish you all strength to complete your magnificent task. You are all incredible people and 'Mystery' is an amazing lady.

Every blessing - not far now. Chins up! You will do it!

Anne

We have actually been following FalconGT across from Canada to Australia. Then we got hooked on to your Blog too. It is all so very exciting and we wish we were young again to be able to enjoy such adventures. Commiserations for the lousy accident resulting in a broken leg, just as you near journey's end. Well done and Congratulations on your hard work. Safe landing in Williamstown and hope you get to meet up with our guys on board FalconGT again,whilst there.

Nearly there! You must be getting excited. Hope the weather is kind to you on the final leg.

Peter Moorcroft

Keep going guys!! Have just read The Last Great Grain Race and the Gt Southern sounded tough on that great ship, so you guys are really BRAVE - speed on go well!!

Dear Markypoos belated Happy Birthday - card in Plymouth!!! Heard about the latest weather problems and the result, I am so sorry to hear what happened, being diplomatic, hope all is now under control. pete I so want to get you in front of kids in school, you are such an inspiration, well done to all of you. Looking forward to seeing you all. Stay strong and come home safe. Lots of love Ali & Uwe xxx

Hi Pete,

Still looks as though you are keeping yourself out of trouble, or getting into it!  Best of luck with the spirit of mystery, looks like a fantastic adventure.

Hope to bump into you again someday, not at sea though as I am so land locked! Send my love to the PfS bumch and Pat.

Gerard

Hi Pete, I just want to say what a wonderful thing you are doing.

Somebody just phoned up the abc and said about this and the web site.

Best of luck and take care.

Julie  

Tasmania

Hi, guys - welcome to Oz! I'm based in Adelaide, and I've been following your progress ever since you left home, and I find your exploits just amazing. I'm a keen wooden boat builder and offshore racer - in fact, I've just returned from our annual Adelaide to Port Lincoln race. It's about 150 nm, which pales into insignificance compared with what you're doing, but I love it nonetheless. Good luck with the remaining few days, and enjoy the hospitality of my wonderful country and its people.

Cheers,

Stan

Hi all

Only found out about the trip last night and were so impressed we had to let you know. Well done to all, cant wait for the book to come out, we are sure that it will be excellent reading. If it wasnt for people like you the world would never really know what the adventurers of the past actually went through. I sometimes think that it would be harder now to complete such a voyage. Anyway all the best, you have made us all proud.

Cheers Alice and Paul in Adelaide.

Hi Pete,I have just been listening to talk-back radio here in Adelaide South Australia and I've just been blown away by your adventure I'm 60 years of age but would love the adventure you are experiencing. Live your life man and tell the 3 live every day. Thank you

Denis

Good luck for remainder of voyage & welcome to Australian waters.

Australia above you and 14 days to go! How wonderful and how brilliantly you have all done! Let us know how 'Launceston' is pronounced in Oz?!! ('Lanson' in these parts, of course!!)    

Safe and fair winds to you all for the final miles - what a fantastic thing you have all achieved. Thank you so much for sharing it with us in your inimitable way - I shall be suffering 'blog-loss' for sure!  

Love to all on the fair ship 'Mystery', and to all the families for The Great Party!

Anne

Hi Pete and Crew

Heard a guy called Reuben from the Barossa Valley talk about your adventure on talk back radio last night (24 Feb 09).

Thought we would say hi and congratulate you and your team on your journey to date to our wonderful country.

Safe sailing to Melbourne!

Regards

Tracey and Barrie

For the 'Quality' Crew, on the 'Sweet' boat.

You had a dream to build a boat  

From local trees you knew would float,  

With help when finished you set sail,  

Daily, your Blog tells us your tale.

You`ve sailed on far from Newlyn`s Fest,  

Across the oceans in your "nest"

Weathering storms, with cups of tea

And cake a speciality!

Sweet Boat "Spirit of Mystery"

Sail on, making new history,

Australia will welcome you

With