A month after becoming the first Bermudian to circumnavigate the world, Alan Paris heads back to the water in BTC Velocity.

He flew to Newport, Rhode Island, on Thursday to prepare for his last voyage aboard the vessel that was home to him throughout that historic, eight-month adventure. Paris, accompanied by friend Jim Butterfield, will sail from the USA to Bermuda, starting next Tuesday, and expects to arrive here early next Sunday in time to celebrate Father's Day.

Thereafter, BTC Velocity will be put on show at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) for about six months after which a permanent location is to be found for it. These recent developments are happy news for Paris who feared the possibility of having to sell the 40-foot yacht, a valuable piece of Bermuda's modern maritime history.

“This is for me a time of mixed emotions, however, most of them are happy. Knowing that BTC Velocity is returning to Bermuda to be an exhibit at the BUEI is in one sense very rewarding. On the other hand it marks the end of a ‘relationship' at sea, which has been mostly harmonious, we only fought a few times in 38,000 (nautical miles),” said Paris.

As he sails into Bermuda next weekend, the 38-year-old plans to make up for bypassing the Island on the last leg of the Around Alone Race in May.

“I will sail around the offshore waters near St. David's Head for the morning and then at 11.30 a.m. sail through Town Cut in St. George's as the Town Crier fires the cannon and the tugboat Powerful sprays a water cannon in a welcoming gesture,” said the intrepid sailor, outlining his plans.

Meanwhile, 33 singlehanded sailors will embark on the first leg of the Bermuda One-Two race today, also starting in Newport. It will be a race for real time as well as for compensated time.

The weather forecast is favourable with some light winds expected today, followed by a depression which should give a strong south-west wind. This should allow the boats to cross the Gulf Stream easily and head towards Bermuda at a good speed.