When the world's largest floating bookshop arrives in the Isle of Man next week, one family aboard will be preparing to lay down some roots for a new life ashore.

Logos Hope is due in Douglas Harbour on Tuesday, November 10, and will remain until November 23, when it will sail without crew member Andy Sheath, his wife Becky and their daughters, Elsie and Sophie.

For Andy, who was born on the island, the ship's visit will be both a homecoming and a farewell to the floating home where his family have spent much of their lives.

Currently docked in Liverpool, Logos Hope travels between ports around the world, welcoming members of the public aboard its floating bookshop.

Andy's journey with the vessel began while he was studying engineering at the University of Bath.

Visiting his brother in London, he was looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience when he spotted a flyer advertising the ship.

He contacted the captain and secured a nine-month apprenticeship, beginning an association with Logos Hope that would ultimately shape his family life.

After completing his degree, Andy returned aboard and met Becky, who would later become his wife.

The couple left the ship to marry but always hoped to return, eventually rejoining the crew with their daughter Elsie, then just four months old.

Their second daughter, Sophie, was born on the Isle of Man in 2023.

Now the family are preparing to settle on the island together rather than continue sailing when the ship departs Douglas later this month.

Andy said: ‘We haven't really been back since 2023. I haven't lived on the island since I left for university, and now we're looking to move to the Isle of Man as a family.’

Andy said meeting people from around the world had been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience, particularly for his daughters.

‘It's been a real privilege. It's really special to meet people and to get to know people.

‘The girls have got to have many brothers and sisters from around the world, and that's been really special. Elsie's been to 47 different countries since we left in August 2021.

‘We've seen a lot of the world, been able to meet a lot of people, and see what their life is like as well.’

During its visit to Douglas, Logos Hope will open to visitors, offering access to its collection of more than 5,000 book titles.

The ship also has an international café and a volunteer crew numbering hundreds of people from dozens of nationalities.

Admission to the floating bookshop costs £1, with books available from 50p. Visitors can also use the café and book places at events.

Behind-the-scenes tours, including visits to the ship's bridge, will also be available to book as part of the programme during its Douglas visit.

But for the Sheath family, the call at Douglas marks the end of a chapter that began with a student apprenticeship and developed into years of family life at sea.

Andy said: ‘It will be a homecoming, a farewell. We'll wave goodbye to the ship on Douglas Harbour, and our floating home will be replaced with the Isle of Man.’