The 56-year-old multi-instrumentalist from Topsham, one half of folk duo Show of Hands, was a crew member on the rigged wooden cutter The Pegasus in the annual Tall Ships Race.
In the first race, from Gydnia in Poland to St Petersburg in Russia, equipment broke and the crew had to retire. But, in the second race the ship was the fastest in its class, taking four days to race across the Baltic Sea from Turku in Finland to Klaipeda in Lithuania, which saw it finishing second fastest overall.
Every year, anything from 80 to more than 100 vessels crewed by thousands of people from up to 30 countries take part.
The boats were divided into four classes and The Pegasus, a sail training boat built in Bristol, was in Class B, for traditional style boats. Phil was joined on board by skipper Diggory Rose and shipmate Amy Ferguson, both from Exeter, and Vanessa Whipp from North Devon. The ship is owned by the Exeter charity Island Trust, which promotes sailing opportunities for disadvantaged young people. Also on board were seven youngsters from Liverpool, all of whom were part of the youth charity Prince's Trust.
By taking part in the race, Phil fulfilled a lifelong dream. He said: It was absolutely fantastic. It was the experience of a lifetime. I can't think of anything else I have done that has been more exciting or more exhilarating. Everyone has a cherished dream and it is very nice to have got the opportunity to have followed it.
It was a fantastic opportunity for the young people on board.
The nine-week expedition took Phil to 12 countries, covering 4,500 nautical miles. The Pegasus travelled 1,000 miles from Gosport to Gydnia for the start of the race.
Phil said: Once it starts getting rough and the wind gets up, it's very hard work.
It was a traditional sailing craft. It is physically very demanding, but very satisfying.
The Pegasus travelled back to Gosport via Denmark, Germany and Holland.
