An extraordinary day - Ellen & Mobi return home to Cowes...by Caz   

…0630hrs and we're heading towards Southampton, ahead of us, low in the sky, the large golden moon drew us westward, it was spectacular. The moon slowly descended, giving way to the Sun, which rose like a fiery red disc behind us, it was then that we knew, it was going to be an extraordinary day. 

Standing outside the Red Jet Office in Southampton, it was bitter, an icy wind brushed over our faces and the sun struggled to penetrate the heavy morning mist. But soon we were crossing and before we knew it, we had arrived at West Cowes. 

It was quiet in Cowes, bitterly cold but bright, no sign yet that this was the day Ellen and Mobi were coming home. As we walked towards the parade, shops began to open and people started appearing, we saw 'welcome Home Ellen' banners and posters, photographic tributes in many shop windows, the Islands pride was very evident. 

 

As we reached the parade there were officials putting out cones and railings, we stood in the bitter easterly wind looking across towards the Royal Yacht Squadron, what a fantastic site. As we looked across the water the suns golden reflection added a little warmth to an otherwise cold looking sea. Gradually the bravest of Ellen well-wishers started to arrive, hoping to secure the best vantage point for viewing Mobi (B&Q/Castorama) and her incredible skipper, as they sailed by. 

We chatted with people as they arrived, many were Islanders but there were also people who had journeyed far. Some had travelled the day before just to make sure they would be there in good time, there were supporters from up and down the mainland and we met quite a few who had come over from France. The conditions of extreme cold and bitter wind were almost forgotten, cold hands and feet warmed through by the excitement of seeing Ellen and Mobi, there were many people recounting moments from Ellen's epic journey around the globe, it was wonderful to be surrounded by all this positive energy and sincere good wishes for two very special heroines and their team. 

Just time for a mug of tea before it really gets going, the cafes and restaurants were buzzing with 'Ellen' stories, complete strangers sharing their memories of Ellen's challenge and delighting in the stories of others, from those who had found inspiration, those in complete awe and onetime landlubbers who now craved the smell of the Sea, to those who had thought she was mad to attempt it and are just glad she's home. 

Well it's time to get out on the water, we were lucky enough to get out on a boat and join the flotilla of well-wishers all braving the icy conditions just to sail alongside this amazing team. Wow, just incredible, Mobi is truly a magnificent craft, she looked so proud carrying her precious skipper and other team members past the green and Cowes parade, her eyes taking it all in. (Mobi has an eye painted each side of her hull)  See photo of the eye.  

So strong, yet so very elegant, her beautifully designed lines cutting through the water with, what I can only describe as, true respect. Seeing Ellen standing on her bow, you suddenly became aware and able to understand the perfect synergy between them, absolutely awesome!!! Even with her bright livery she blended with nature, her form and movement seemed to be accepted by the elements, she is a true creature of the sea, just like her skipper! Too beautiful to be in captivity for long, they both belong on the open ocean, swathed by nature.

All too soon it was time to return to shore, the clouds turned pink and a flurry of snow drifted across the Solent, it was magic. Now back ashore, the crowds had grown, children waving their flags enthusiastically and smiling as they hurried to the bandstand to catch a glimpse of Ellen. The turn out was amazing and as we stood in the crowd waiting for Ellen, we couldn't help thinking we were all like a community of penguins huddled together for warmth, not quite as considerate as penguins though, as we didn't take turns with those standing on the outside.

 

Ellen arrived, serenaded by loud cheering, frantic waving of flags and banners. Councillor Jarman presented Ellen with the Freedom of the Isle of Wight, a very fitting tribute, to her and the team who made all this possible. Ellen took time to chat with the children and signed autographs for them, she then signed more autographs and shook countless hands whilst walking back to her RIB, it was a truly extraordinary day and one that will be remembered forever!

Caz