Tall ships, the Lord Nelson and Tenacious, sailed into port after Lord Nelson’s maiden around-the-world voyage.

It was the first time the ships, operated and funded by the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), returned home to Southampton together in more than two years. 

They can normally be found on opposite sides of the world, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to sail.

There was an emotional welcome at the port’s Mayflower terminal as families saw their loved ones, who had been battling the high seas, for the first time in weeks.

In total the Lord Nelson sailed some 52,000 nautical miles and paid visits to 100 ports in 30 countries. 

Split over ten legs, she made stops in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa and Antarctica, and crossed the equator six times. 

She even carried the Olympic Torch to Rio de Janeiro as part of this special journey. 

Duncan Souster, chief executive at the JST, said: “This is the first time a mixed crew has gone around the world and it is an amazing achievement.

“It also means we have taken our values of equality and participation for everyone to countries that might not be as familiar with them.”

Tenacious and Lord Nelson also used the Port of Southampton as their starting line for a cross-channel race, which saw some 80 competitors sailing from England to France and back again, over seven days, living on board and working together in a bid to hit mainland Europe, then get back to Southampton first.