Floating book fair's maiden visit 'a huge homecoming for us'

A family from the Isle of Man is returning home after spending five years at sea aboard the world's largest floating book fair.

Andy Sheath, his wife Rebecca and daughters Elsie and Sofie have lived on the Logos Hope since 2021.

The vessel, which is due to dock in Douglas Harbour between 6 and 22 November, is home to more than 300 people from 60 countries and travels the world as the largest floating book fair.

Sheath said he had always hoped the ship would visit the island and was looking forward to finally coming home.

Sheath first visited the ship as a university student in 2010 and said he was the only Manxman on board.

He said stepping on to the vessel for the first time felt like coming home.

Since 2021, the ship has been the family's home and holds "precious, treasured memories", he said.

"My oldest daughter Elsie is five. These corridors echo memories of her first steps.

"Our table and dining room is where we've eaten for five years. It's where my daughters have grown from baby to toddler, to now," he said.

The family returned to the island for Sofie's birth, meaning Elsie remembers visits to the wildlife park, fish and chips on the beach with her grandparents and ice cream at Peel.

Sheath said his family is excited to return to the island to start a new life, calling it "a huge homecoming".

And fellow crew members have shared in the family's excitement about this stop on the boat's tour.

"They have asked me 'what can I do on the island', 'can we see the TT route?' and many other questions," Sheath said.

Sheath said he hoped the visit would not be the last from the Logos Hope.

"On the next visit I would love to see another Manx person on board," he said.

"I have proudly waved the three legs of Man at every port and I would love to see more Manx people waving the flag on board at different ports."

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