Rich Wilson is heading into the channel now, and should reach the entrance in the next ten minutes. The pier heads are crowded with people waiting to welcome him in. He still has a deep reefed main at the moment and is just dropping it 500metres off the entrance. It is a little grey/gray and overcast now but Rich was lucky to finish in pleasant sunshine. It is pretty chilly again and he is fully wrapped up with a knitted hat on and full foul weather gear. And he is in the channel now and is on the foredeck acknowledging the cheers of the thousands of people who have turned out. He does look very tired but quietly elated.....

Rich in the cockpit as he crosses at 12h43 19s GMT  He remained completely passive as Sylvie Viant announced he had crossed the line

A mile and a half to the line.Surfing along nicely on 7-8 foot swell. Sisters and family are alongside.  Rich looking very pleased to see them.  Norbert Sedlacek's team are also out on the water to greet him.  His boat is not showing any obvious signs of damage

One big spectator boat out.  Probably because of the weather and time, few spectators for the finish.    Friends and family approaching in a big RIB with stars and stripes lining up to be in the photo shots.  

Rich is smiling from his cockpit and able to see the first boat come alongside.  Currently under staysail with double reefed main.  He is currently sailing at about ten knots towards the finish.  3.5 miles from the line.  Approaching directly from the west he can see the whole of Les Sables ahead of him.  The first 3 or 4 boats are approaching him and the first stars and stripes are being raised. 

Conditions are pretty grim out on the water.  The media boats are just heading out to meet Rich Wilson.  The conditions are in fact similar to those experienced at the start, although the temperature is a few degrees higher.