Home after trip around Australia
AFTER six months, a run-in with a crocodile and thousands of kilometres travelling the seas, Brian English and Roy Brough have returned home.
The 66-year-old adventurers arrived back in Newcastle’s harbour after a circumnavigation of Australia on yacht Once More Dear Friends.
Friends and family welcomed them back at Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club yesterday following the completion of a journey covering 13,100kilometres.
‘‘Coming into the harbour was just absolutely brilliant,’’ Mr English said.
‘‘We’ve had a chance to compare the place with a lot of others but we love it here.’’
The two mates departed on July 7 last year and although others joined in along the way they were the only ones to complete the whole stretch.
Mr English described it as ‘‘the trip of a lifetime’’ and said there was no better way to explore Australia.
‘‘We followed the paths of great navigators like Flinders and Cook. It was just a complete lesson in Australian history,’’ he said.
‘‘Visiting offshore islands, remote areas and isolated communities, I can’t imagine a better way of discovering just how big and diverse our country is.’’
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, however, with a large crocodile keeping the crew sleepless for one night.
Mr English said the amphibian took a liking to their yacht in the Kimberley, Western Australia.
‘‘We were in Beagle Bay, the only boat for miles, and a croc just came and settled at the foot of our yacht,’’ he said.

Roy and Brian with their mascot "Trim". Picture: Ryan Osland

Supporters hold up signs. Picture: Ryan Osland

HOME: Roy Brough and Brian English back after 202 days. Picture: Ryan Osland

Roy Brough gets a hug from his wife Jo. Picture: Ryan Osland

Roy Brough gets a hug from his wife Jo. Picture: Ryan Osland

The yacht docks at Newcastle cruising yacht club. Picture: Ryan Osland

VOYAGE: Once More Dear Friends returns to Newcastle yesterday after circumnavigating Australia. Pictures: Ryan Osland

VOYAGE: Once More Dear Friends returns to Newcastle yesterday after circumnavigating Australia. Pictures: Ryan Osland