NOT many people go on a journey that takes them away from home for a four-year stretch.

Dee and Pippa de Mengel did just that, sailing their yacht, Sula, around the world over the course of seven years.

Last week, the intrepid couple sailed in to their home mooring at Black Tar, Llangwm, and were met by a welcoming party bearing champagne.

“We didn’t set out with the intention of sailing around the world,” said Dee.

“That was far too scary. We merely sailed to the Mediterranean via the Bay of Biscay and Portugal, to confirm that we enjoyed living on a small yacht. Then one thing led to another.”

“Dee was keen to go off sailing for a longer stretch of time once he retired,” Pippa added. “I was happy to try the lifestyle out for a year. I grew to enjoy it!”

Although she missed seeing her two sons on a regular basis, Pippa said highlights of the trip, such as time spent in New Zealand and South Africa, were unforgettable.

“What I’ll miss most about our travels is sailing to a secluded anchorage and jumping into clear, aquamarine water, tropical fish and coral beneath us, palm trees swaying ashore,” she said.

Dee added that he had enjoyed “far too many experiences to list”, but said he would miss the “adrenalin buzz” from setting out on a difficult ocean passage, knowing you are on your own and must cope unaided with any problems that crop up.

Despite the potential risks of sailing around the globe, the couple completed their journey unscathed.

“We were never really in danger, though a particularly low point for me, on passage to the Cape Verdes, was when the batteries failed and we were unable to start the engine,” Pippa explained. “We had to drift all night - there was no wind, so we couldn't sail. The implications were very serious. Luckily we were in no immediate danger.”

After a tough passage from the Azores, Pippa and Dee were glad to sail back in to familiar waters.

“The upper reaches of the estuary are so beautiful,” said Pippa. “The landscape matches and surpasses many of the lovely places we have visited on our travels.

"We were very moved by the warm welcome when we landed at Black Tar.”

“Many of our Pembrokeshire friends turned out to greet us,” said Dee. “It was only then that I fully appreciated what we had achieved.”

The de Mengels may be back on dry land, but they have no plans to put their feet up yet.

“There are hills to walk, and mountains to climb,” said Pippa. “We enjoy getting out in the fresh air, and being active.”

To find out more, you can visit the couple’s blog by searching online for Sula of Llangwm.