HUNDREDS of supporters gathered to welcome home a Glasgow teacher as he became the first deaf man to sail around the world.

In an emotional homecoming, Gerry Hughes sailed into Troon Marina, where he was greeted by his wife and two daughters after 210 days at sea.

The 55-year-old teacher at St Roch's Secondary School, Royston, who was born deaf, left Troon on September 1 last year to sail single-handedly around the world, a journey of more than 28,000 miles.

Gerry, from King's Park, said his dream for more than 40 years had finally come true.

He said: "I can't believe it. This morning when I saw Arran, that is our family's favourite holiday spot, and I saw it for the first time since I left, and also the Holy Isle.

"I had been on top of that mountain thinking about going around the world and then, seeing that mountain after completing my odyssey, it was a dream come true."

It wasn't all plain sailing for Gerry, who faced electrical failures onboard which affected his GPS, auto pilot and depth gauges.

He also capsized just south of the Cape of Good Hope, just before Christmas.

More than 100 well-wishers, many wearing specially designed hoodies and T-shirts reading 'Go go go Gerry', popped Champagne and waved banners and flags to welcome the sailor home.

Pupils from St Roch's lined the harbour along with their teachers, local dignitaries and Gerry's friends and relatives.

Once back on dry land he was handed a pint of Guinness – his first taste of the black stuff since setting sail.

His wife Kay, 47, and daughters Nicola, 23 and Ashley, 20, had tears in their eyes as they climbed onboard his yacht, Quest III.

Kay said: "I knew for sure that he would make it.

"He is a man of incredible fortitude, I am so proud of him and what he has achieved."

Nicola, who lives in Burnside, said her dad was an inspiration.

She said: "I can't even begin to express how proud I am of him."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk