Our final leg into London was marked by a mix of celebration and remembrance, shared with some very special guests: Bob, Wendy, Anita, and Emily. This journey held deep significance for Bob, who has been a frequent visitor on Wetwheels, often accompanied by his dear friend Samuel, who has since passed away. To honour Samuel’s memory, Bob brought along a bear crafted from Samuel’s clothing, a comforting memento that he hugged tightly as we set off.
We departed Chatham Maritime Marina with an air of festivity, the spirit of camaraderie high as we sailed past Upnor Castle. The route took us along the scenic River Medway, and as we neared the Thames Estuary, excitement grew with each passing mile.
The transition from the Medway to the historic Old Father Thames was smooth, marked by stunning views and a palpable sense of anticipation.
At Margaret Ness, the speed limit reduced to 12 knots, providing us ample opportunity to soak in the sights and savour the journey. The leisurely pace allowed everyone to appreciate the rich tapestry of London’s riverside landmarks. Passing through the imposing Thames Barrier was a notable milestone.
Shortly after, we were joined by the Tower RNLI lifeboat by the O2 Arena, an escort that highlighted the significance of our voyage. The lifeboat accompanied us upriver, past the Cutty Sark and a host of iconic landmarks that lined the Thames.
As we turned the final corner, the majestic Tower Bridge came into view. The sight of friends and family gathered at St Katherine’s Dock, cheering and waving, filled the air with a joyous energy.
We passed under the bridge with pride, a moment that symbolised the culmination of an incredible journey.
In a triumphant gesture, reminisce of his previous achievements, Geoff unfurled the Union Jack flag, celebrating his remarkable achievement as the first quadriplegic person to powerboat around Britain.
This historic moment was shared with those who had supported and followed our journey, making the celebration all the more meaningful. Turning around, we entered the lock and tied up at the dockside, where we were warmly greeted by friends and family we had not seen since departing four weeks earlier. The reunion was filled with hugs, smiles, and shared stories of our adventure.
We were honoured to have the Lord Mayor of London, Micheal Mainelli, join us both at the start and end of our journey. His support was invaluable and deeply appreciated, adding a sense of official recognition to our efforts.
This journey was more than just a voyage; it was a tribute to friendship, resilience, and the human spirit. As we concluded our adventures, we carried with us memories that would last a lifetime, and the knowledge that we had achieved something truly extraordinary.