Warm southwest welcome greets sailor on epic 2,400-mile pilgrimage to help seafarers and fishers

Supporters of Stella Maris (formerly called Apostleship of the Sea) extended a warm southwest welcome to avid sailor Russ Fairman when he stopped over in Falmouth, Fowey, Plymouth and Teignmouth, as part of his 2,400-mile Round Britain sailing pilgrimage recently.

Southampton-based Russ had undertaken the 70-day voyage to celebrate the Catholic charity’s 100+ years of service to seafarers, fishers and their families, beginning in Southampton on 29th April and ending in Portsmouth on Sea Sunday on 9th July.

Russ visited around 50 Holy sites and called at 65 ports during his adventurous and faith-filled journey on board his boat ‘Mintaka’.

At the Falmouth stopover Russ and crew were treated to a wonderful Cornishthemed spread, which included Cornish pasties, saffron cake, heavy cake and scones with jam, topped with clotted cream, after Mass at St Mary Immaculate Church on 29th June. All this was organised by John Pinhay, Stella Maris Falmouth and Fowey regional port chaplain and his fantastic team.

Russ received another friendly welcome at a Mass and gathering held in St Mary & St Boniface Cathedral, Plymouth, organised by Ann Donnelly, Stella Maris regional port chaplain for Plymouth & Teignmouth, and wonderful local supporters. The sailing party were also spoilt with home-baked cake and fizz when they sailed into Teignmouth a couple of days later, a rare but much appreciated treat.

Russ said, “Thank you to the amazing parishioners and priests of the Plymouth Diocese for your warm and wonderful welcome. What a fabulous way to celebrate 103 years of Stella Maris work.