Back at the home jetty: Johannes Erdmann and Cati Trapp
Yesterday afternoon, the circle came full circle: the "Maverick too" reached her home port in Oberndorf an der Oste, where she had cast off 692 days earlier for the great Atlantic tour.
The last few meters of over 15,300 miles: the "Maverick" and her escort
Numerous boats and yachts drove to meet the newcomers at the reception in the East Estuary, in order to escort them to the home jetty for the last few meters of the 15,300-mile journey.
Land connection established: A helper accepts the leash in Oberndorf
After the "Maverick too" had caused its crew some worries at the beginning of the voyage due to various technical problems, the ship was in astonishingly good condition on its return. The exertion of the long journey could not be seen from him. Skipper Erdmann said: "It took until all the teething problems were cured, but on the second part of the voyage we didn't have any more problems with the ship."
Flag parade as a reminder of the 15 countries visited
Trapp and Erdmann were eagerly awaited at the home pier: friends and family, supporters and media representatives as well as representatives from politics (Mayor Detlef Horeis donated sparkling wine) and local economy ensured a finale in a dignified setting. And after the first big hello, the occasion could be celebrated: the return was quickly declared as part of the program of the village festival that took place this weekend.
Claus List, chairman of AG Osteland, presents flowers and pennants
There was only one bad news that day, but that didn't dampen the spirits either. In the course of the preparations, the couple's house and yard were spruced up - and a shed was burned down while weeds were being flamed. Erdmann took it with serenity and reacted with confidence and calm: "No problem, this thing should go anyway." Nothing, absolutely nothing, could have dampened the mood that day.
And then it was just a party.
Trapp and Erdmann take stock of their trip in YACHT 19/2016. And they take a look ahead of their next project.
The sailing couple in the saloon: the yacht is also in astonishingly good condition below deck