SOLO sailor Adrian Flanagan has sailed triumphantly into Hamble today to fulfil a lifetime's dream.

He became the first person to complete a single-handed vertical circumnavigation of the globe westwards around Cape Horn and across the Russian Arctic coast.

The 47-year-old father of two was given a hero's welcome at the International yachting mecca where he set out on his epic adventure nearly two and a half years ago.

During his action packed voyage he has been washed overboard, dislocated both wrists, suffered two knock downs at Cape Horn and been tracked by pirates off Brazil.

Today the sun shone as Adrian, after sailing more than 30,000 miles, crossed the finishing line after being escorted into Hamble by a flotilla of yachts.

There to greet him was his ex-wife Louise Flanagan, 47 year-old manager of the Alpha Global Expedition and their two sons Benjamin, 9, and six-year-old Gabriel.

The Flanagan family sailed out into the mid-Solent to welcome Adrian home in an emotional re-union.

Louise blew him a kiss and waved from the deck of the Ko Ko Kai.

The Daily Echo asked Adrian what it was like to be home. He shouted back: "It feels wonderful. It's a great relief. At least it is warmer than Russia."

He said the first thing he would be doing would be watching the Champions Cup Final and cheering on Chelsea to a victory.

For it was the Chelsea chairman who helped him to cut through the Russian red tape and help him fulfil a lifetime's ambition.

Click here to read I'm waiting here for you, Adrian