The first deaf person to have sailed single-handed around the world, passing all five capes, has returned home to a hero’s welcome.
Gerry Hughes, 55, fulfilled his boyhood dream of sailing past the capes, racking up 32,000 miles on an eight-month voyage.
Hundreds of members of the deaf community turned out at Troon harbour in South Ayrshire to congratulate the father-of-two who was born without hearing.
The teacher from Glasgow is one of around 300 people to have completed the feat, joininga list of successful solo-circumnavigators, which includes Sir Frances Chichester.
After hugging his tearful wife Kay, 47, on his arrival, he swapped the champagne popped in his honour for a pint of his favourite Guinness.
He spoke of a great sense of achievement, having fulfilled an ambition he has had since he was 14.
Stormy weather often created tough sailing conditions, causing him to capsize at one stage, but he cited problems with electronic equipment, not his lack of hearing, as the biggest challenge of the trip.
His daughters Nicola, 23, and Ashley, 20, described their father as an inspiration to them and others.
Student Nicola said: “It’s sheer determination that’s got him through. I don’t know anyone else like him.”