With all the crew and support present, one last safety meeting is held onboard where we discuss expected start time and location as well as what direction we expect to travel given the tide and weather conditions.

You touch the south island, raise your arm and the swim starts. Feeds are scheduled, trip reports logged. Time to set out a rhythm of swimming and feeding.

That cup of tea never tasted so good! It is time to layer up and get comfy for the journey back to port. Flanked by your support and crew we sit you up for an hour before you can retire to the accommodation for a sleep if you wish.