It Is Over

Alan Priddy · 04 October 2002, 11:10

I have had to accept that our attempt to circumnavigate the world is now finally over. The weather is turning and our time and money have run out.
As you are all aware, all did not go according to plan. It was in true British Spirit that we refused to give in untill the bitter end.

To be so close but so far from the finish is very difficult to come to terms with.

Spending a 100 days at sea in a small boat with two other guys in what can only be described as "hostile conditions" have had it's toll. not only physically but mentally. It would be easy to say we had to be mental to undertake such a mammoth expedition, but we are not! We just wanted to push the boundaries that little bit further.

I can remember back in 1990 on the very first Round Scotland the shock and horror of planning for a 100 mile passage in the same day. A little over a decade later the development of the boats, engines and navigational equipment allow you all to enjoy your boating in relative safety, covering these sort of distances as a regular activity.

When I set out on this amazing voyage it was always my intention to take as many people as possible around the world via the internet as possible and with Clive's daily journal this was hugley succesful. The Financial contributions that came in from the RIB.NET Forum not only allowed us to carry on, but it also meant that thousands of people from all over the world could continue on the journey of discovery with us. From the armchair adventurers, the school children and the old salty sea dogs, they are all aware the world is a smaller place and for that I thankyou for everything that you did to make the journey as successful as it was.

Clive is busy writing the book and I am confident that it will be a best seller. Clive's daily journal only scouted around what actually happened, to find out exactly what went on you will have to read the book. He is printing 5000 hard back, all singing all dancing special copies for Xmas. So if you want to put your name down for one, contact me and I will put one aside for you when it comes out in November.

Once again, thanks for all your support, it really was most appriciated. Hope to see you all at some time.

With best regards

Alan Priddy

Charles · 04 October 2002, 11:32

Well all I can say is that I am heart-broken for you guys! I am sure I speak for all of us in saying that we followed every minute of your journey and were in awe at the immense problems you had to overcome.

WELL DONE ALAN,STEVE AND CLIVE!

(This picture was taken on the 7th April 2001, shortly before I spotted Spirit arriving next to the Statue of Liberty on her 'shake-down' cruise!)

Allen · 04 October 2002, 11:45

Alan,

I'm gutted, but your expedition was a huge achievement in getting as far as you did, and I for one am immensely proud to have been remotely associated with it.

Chin up mate, only 81 shopping days to Christmas...

I take it signed copies will be available?

Allen

Angel · 04 October 2002, 12:40

In no way was your trip a failure! I'm sure I speak for all those who have been fortunate enough to be involved with you on the project and all those who have followed the project for any amount of time.

You set out to take as many people around the world with you as possible and you certainly achieved this on mass!

I know you're down now but you have been a true inspiration to myself and many the world over and I look forward to seeing you coming back up full of energy with thoughts for a new project!

Don't give up your dreams!

Sophie
Proud True Supporter and Volunteer, Cardiff

Keith Hart · 04 October 2002, 16:25

Put me down for a copy please Alan.

Keith (can't wait) Hart

thewavehumper · 04 October 2002, 17:10

I guess you guys will just have to settle for taking a RIB further round the world than any one else has. We are all sad that you didn't complete your Journey, but quite franckly after so many thousands of sea miles completed who's counting
.

Every body that drives a RIb must at least be enviouas of what you did, and everybody that has had a challenge in their life can only admire the way you guys dealt with yours. The good news is that your all here and well. ( I trust this is the case with Steve)

Just remember the engineers motto "Nil Carborundum Illegitimus"

With Respect
Stuart

Daniel · 04 October 2002, 18:15

I would like to echo stuarts comments - well done on getting a RIB further round the world than anyone else, by no means a failure. And yes lots of RIBsters are very envious - you don't know me, but i followed your adventure and yes, i was envious.

Is the boat likely to stay where it is or will it be coming home after the winter / hurracine season? (i know it's for sale now, but just being nosey).

If you ever need a crew i'll voulenteer (but like i said - you don't know me!!!).

Put me down for a copy of the book and i look foward to reading it.

Daniel

John Kennett · 04 October 2002, 20:24

Al

Can you put me down for a rare unsigned copy please?

JK

Alan · 04 October 2002, 21:35

Alan, I think everyone has said it all already but can I add my thanks for giving me another RIB website to spend my worktime surfing rather than working!

Please put me down for a copy of the book.

Cheers,
Alan

nigelt · 05 October 2002, 02:20

Alan

Please put me down for a copy.

Thanks

Nigel

Brian · 05 October 2002, 11:09

Alan
I am too choked up to write anything sensible.
Just put my name down for the book please.
Brian

Jelly · 07 October 2002, 09:34

Hi Alan
Can I stick my name down too.
Jelly

dbillyboy · 07 October 2002, 17:20

A big "Well done Lads". I followed every move and was thrilled by the adventure.
Bill.

DJL · 07 October 2002, 17:23

Hi Alan

I would also like to put down my name for a book

Daniel

Richard B · 08 October 2002, 00:35

Alan,

I also would like to join the queue for a copy of the book.

Having "got into" RIBs just after your departure, I have been constantly trying to catch up with the news, so it will be a pleasure to read the story from the start.

Cheers,
Richard.