A WAVE of affection washed over BT Global Challenge skipper Andrew Hindley at the end of race party.

He broke the news of his engagement to his family and friends, and it was then announced to party guests, including Prince Michael of Kent.

The Prince spoke to the Accrington-born sailor afterwards and offered his own personal congratulations.

Andy met fiancee Julie Cunningham about a year ago through his involvement with the round-the-world yachting Challenge.

Julie, from Kingston upon Thames, is project manager with Circo, the sponsors of Andy's Save the Children boat, and flew out wherever the boats docked at the end of each leg. Andy, 30, also had another surprise for his parents by announcing to them his intention of sailing around the world solo. Save the Children came in third place out of 14 yachts when the race finished last Wednesday in Southampton.

Andy's father, Tony, of Hollins Lane, Accrington, today told of the family's excitement when they watched their son's boat sail into port.

He and Andy's mother, Dorothy, were invited by Circo to watch the yachts from a helicopter.

"It was absolutely fantastic," Tony said. "We were able to fly overhead and take photographs. We were waving at each other."

The family later joined 400 people on board a boat which sailed out to welcome the yacht home.

Andy met his family on the quayside after the race and was delighted to see among them his uncle, Peter Hindley, who had been in intensive care when the race set off.

Tony said: "Peter was in hospital for 14 months and promised Andrew he would be waiting for him when he arrived back.

"We all shouted ourselves hoarse. We were delighted he was home and thrilled to bits about the engagement."

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