SOME of them had not laid eyes on their loved ones since they embarked on their overseas adventure seven months ago.

However, the faces of one of the teams taking on the Global Challenge round the world yacht race were beamed back from South Africa to Hampshire via a video link, ahead of the fifth leg of their epic journey.

Families had the chance to talk face-to-face when sponsors NewNet in Fareham decided to treat Team Stelmar after they enjoyed a podium finish in the Sydney to Cape Town leg of the race.

Milly Cosby, from Portswood, Southampton, sister of skipper Clive, spoke to the team for the first time since she met them in Australia in January.

She said: "It's absolutely amazing to see them. We've been keeping in contact by e-mail, but it's very restricted.

"They're a brilliant team and have been so strong, even when things haven't gone right.

"They've worked very hard to get this far and it's great to see them all. I wouldn't have missed this for the world."

Her brother, who has his wife Valeria and two-year-old daughter Delphina with him in Cape Town, has his mind on the next leg.

Clive Cosby, 29, said: "We just want to get on with it now.

"The boat's ready to go. We're ready to go. Hopefully we'll be first over the line. We're looking forward to getting back and seeing familiar waters again. It would be lovely to lead the field into Boston or, even better, back into the Solent.

"We know what we've got to do. It's a case of working hard and it should be a good result."

Alex Alley, 34, a sales rep from Titchfield, near Fare-ham, has been enjoying a visit from wife Louisa, five-year-old son Stephen and daughter Sophie, aged two.

Cuddling his youngsters, he added: "It's the first time I've seen these guys since the start in October.

"They've changed quite a lot and it's really nice to see them.

"The last leg was very demanding, with relentless winds, but this will be the toughest leg mentally as we start to see an end in sight."

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