Round the world yachtsman Steve White returned to his home town of Weymouth last Thursday (9 April) on board Toe in the Water, which came an incredible 8th (out of 30) in the Vendee Globe. Since finishing Steve has risen 20 places to 9th in the IMOCA global sailing league tables.

Accompanying Steve on his final leg was sailing legend Sir Robin Knox Johnston, who said: “I feel a tremendous empathy with Steve. He had no financial support to speak of, but his determination to succeed, backed by his supportive family, meant he had a greater motivation than most – and he succeeded, to join a very special club of 173 solo circumnavigators.”

Steve will now start making plans and raising funds for his next major campaign the Velux Five Oceans – another solo, global circumnavigation that starts in October 2010, and then a second Vendee Globe in 2012.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities visit www.whiteoceanracing.com .