Book Description

Shane and Tim Spall are on the second leg of a very big adventure, taking their Dutch barge The Princess Matilda around the coast of Britain. From Matildaâe(tm)s winter berth in Cardiff, Shane and Tim follow the Welsh coast, before ambitiously deciding to visit the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. Along the way they cross Cardigan Bay in the company of a pod of dolphins, meet the king and queen of Piel Island, get lost in shipping lanes near Liverpool, successfully cross the notorious Irish Sea (twice!), accidentally sail through an army firing range, and experience the matchless beauty of Scotlandâe(tm)s Caledonian canal. Emerging into the North Sea at Inverness, they set a course down the east coast for London, back where their journey began. Tim and Shane arenâe(tm)t the amateur sailors they once were, but things still donâe(tm)t always go to plan. Itâe(tm)s not easy navigating our dangerous coastal waters, and crashing waves and strong tides can be terrifying. But itâe(tm)s exhilarating too, and the realisation of a dream they have had for a very long time. Itâe(tm)s a slow journey, but a satisfying one, visiting fishing villages and ports, and exploring Britainâe(tm)s windswept coast. Along the way they meet brave lifeboat crews, lockkeepers, fishermen and a whole host of people who make their living or their leisure on the water. The Princess Matilda Comes Home is a funny and warm hearted story about sharing a great adventure with someone you love.