Alan Paris came close, but not close enough to his Bermudian homeland as he continued on his around the world odyssey.

Paris, skipper of BTC Velocity in the Around Alone race, passed 59.6 nautical miles to the north east of the Island yesterday en route to Newport and the end of an epic journey that began last year.

"Every mile will be one further away from my home, but closer to the finish which lies 623 nautical miles away," he wrote. "There is still some interesting weather ahead, as well as the notorious Gulf Stream to navigate, so I will be on my guard until the gun goes at Castle Point, Newport which will signify the end of this journey.

"I am presently making 7.2 knots of boat speed in 6.8 knots of breeze from the south west in calm seas, for now . . ."

Paris has had time to reflect about life after the Around Alone recently.

"How does one feel about that when a large focus of your life for two solid years, as well as those around you, has been influenced by this desire to achieve the Everest of goals for an offshore sailor," he wrote. "The answer to that question will be different for all of us.

"I begin work on the May 27, ten days after prize giving. Although this will be a bit of a rush, I feel that it's important to get on with my new life after the Around Alone as soon as possible.

"Down time will lead to reflection and some of those thoughts are bound to be quite emotional as the Around Alone family breaks up and we all go our separate ways, even though the bond that has been established during this race will remain forever."

Paris is expected to finish the race on Sunday and The Royal Gazette will be there to welcome him onto dry land.