A couple who have spent three years sailing around the world have docked in Portishead.

North Somerset Times: Holly, Simon and Daisy.Holly, Simon and Daisy. (Image: Supplied)

In April 2014, Simon Johnson bought a 37ft yacht named Tudor Rose to fulfil his dream of sailing around the world.

After learning the ropes and sailing off the south coast of England, Simon, his partner Holly Turner and dog Scrumpy embarked on an epic three-year trip.

Simon said: “I left the military three years before I got the boat.

“We had known each other four months before I bought one.

“We soon realised you do not need anything you need in real life.

“We spent August, September and October in Spain, France, Portugal and the Canary Islands.

“By then we had done about 2,000 miles.”

They then embarked on the longest leg of their journey – a 3,000-mile, 23-day crossing of the Atlantic.

They were joined by Simon’s brother and friend to help keep watch before docking in St Lucia in late 2015.

Holly said: “I found the crossing quite boring really.

“You do not really wash for any of it.

“At one point the water on board ran out so four days to the end we were washing up in sea water.

“Then we arrived in St Lucia.

“It was amazing as an achievement but I think it was more relief to be on solid land.”

The couple then spent two years travelling around the Caribbean but were only there six weeks when they found out they were expecting their first child, Daisy.

After a few scans, Holly flew home to give birth before returning three weeks later to give Daisy her first taste of ship life.

While attempting to avoid hurricane season the family endured failed attempts to sail to the USA due to Daisy’s sea sickness, but the family eventually made it to Miami.

They then visited areas including South Carolina and New York before making the decision to return to the UK to give Daisy the chance to spend time with family.

Since arriving earlier this year, the family have settled at the marina in Portishead.

Holly said: “I have just found people in Portishead really friendly.

“I do feel there is a real community spirit.”