Historical Blog Archive

jphn p in answer to your question of whether FF can overtake SC. It all depends on relative speeds. SC have made a good break NW and are heading with a bit of quicker west on a slightly northerly course, so have pulled away a bit. So say we have 1000 miles to go and FF have 50 miles to make up, FF will have to row 5% quicker to arrive at the same time, by my reckoning. So do keep an eye on those relative speeds. Also both crews will need not to break anything crucial and have enough supplies to last, so preserving kit will be essential. May both get home safely and the best pair win! Whoever gets there first, big beers all round at the far end me thinks. Jem

Tom, apologies mate. I have lost my phone and therefore your phone number. Please email me at work with your number. Cheers, Neil

Ian checks your progress daily and reports it to us all, if we haven't already looked ourselves. He is in Galway sampling the Guinness. The distance you have travelled looks impressive on the map as the finish line keeps getting closer. Do you remember when you returned from your travels and came for a meal, only to eat our cheese as if it was a real luxury? How you will enjoy all the things we take for granted. The wedding is not long now, Catherine and Jacob are back from Milwaukee on Monday. Love to you both, we are all willing you on here, Gina xx

Hi guys, Hope you are ok!! I spoke to sarah this morning, she's fine though, like you fri=ustrated with the winds being "wrong".she has sore shoulders and back too, but taking painkillers to ease the pain. Today was Minstrels Day!!...everyone I know has been celebrating with Sarah,and eating Minstrels.......'cos today was DAY 100!!! ( I had my share too) This is one long slog across the Indian!!!.for you all. Big hugz to you both. Hope the winds improve and that progress will get better. Looking forward to meeting you both sometime. Helen ( Sarah's Mum)

I have now found the reason for RFP being classified as second. I queried it with Woodvale and the response given was: "Boat No.13 ‘Pura Vida’ rowed by the Ocean Angels were unable to make the official race finish line as a result of being one crew member down when Sarah Duff hurt her back and ribs a few days out from finishing. Regrettably, this means they will not receive an official race placing but as they did cross the line of longitude that signifies a successfully unaided crossing of the Indian Ocean, they are officially recorded as the first all female fours crew to row this ocean route." How very frustrating for the girls, all that preparation and effort .......

Thanks so much for your message. Am thinking about you guys all the time and sending you my strength. Have even been contemplating this half marathon you have all been talking about! Hopefully not too much of a stupid question, but I was really keen to know how hot it is, is it a real problem or are you sick of being splashed and wet? Lots of love Fiona xxx

Get in there boys ~ in the 900's now, ferkin oarsome!!! Keep working as hard as you are - we're all watching with pride, admiration and willing you on - never forget that we're there with you - feel the power!!!! Petit x

Boys. So, Francis Maude wants to meet you on your return... Get home quick. You're doing splendidly, everyone is amazed by your achievement. Any sharks recently? xxxx

Good card game, has been used on many a holiday! Hope the sun comes out and the batteries are re-charged soon. Love catching up on the updates, keep up the amazing work and the morale xx

Boys, top stuff, glad you've managed to smash that 1,000 mile barrier. I had a Marketing Industry triathlon this morning at Dorney Lake. We entered the relay competition and I took on the 7.5k run. It's hardly comparable to your efforts but thinking about you guys all the way round definitely kept my speed up. Every time I turned the corner in to a head-wind I thought of you both stuck on para-anchor or digging deep to shift some serious miles. Head down I got on with it and came home in 36mins. You've really not got long to go now - everyone here is willing you on, what you've achieved so far is mind blowing. Keeping pushing lads - can't wait for those beers when you're back. R