TWO boats which took part in Britain's first Sailathon were safely back in their home berths after a voyage of a thousand miles.

The journey from Greenwich Yacht Club, to Port Edgar, on the Firth of Forth, near Edinburgh, raised thousands of pounds for charity.

It involved nearly 50 people, including 30 crew for the two boats, Orolong and Flying Free.

The trip up the coast was uneventful but, while Flying Free enjoyed a relatively easy passage home, it was a different story for Orolong.

As well as being delayed by engine trouble, she had to shelter from gales in Whitby, where she tied up alongside a replica of Captain Cook's ship Endeavour, whose next port of call is Greenwich.

Skipper Paul Woodhead plans to write a book about the trip, with all proceeds going to Demelza House children's hospice and the RNLI.

July 12, 2002 17:30