Historical Blog Archive

I can't believe how quickly the miles are being clocked up, a few more days and it will all be over. Simon and I come home each day and the first thing we do is find out how far you have both come and we have been AMAZED at the huge amount you are both doing. Keep going boys, you are so close and we absolutely can't wait to see you. A few questions: 1) Who is close to winning the bet on when they'd arrive??? 2) What are you both looking forward to most about arriving and what are you going to miss most/if anything about the trip? 3) Is the weather becoming calmer as you approach Mauritius? Lots of love Fiona & Simon xxxx

Well done to Rossiters - interesting to read about the boat which has held up so well through all different kinds of conditions out there on the ocean. I can't believe how close the lads are to the shore now! It's really quite amazing: all the effort and hard work over the last couple of years, and now nearly 3,000 miles already covered. Brilliant!

Cannot believe how quickly this has come around....words cannot say how immensley proud we are to say that ure my best mates. Tina, Nigel, Claire and Tom please pass on my best to them when they roll on to dry land. Chris & Sam Thew

Hi Guys - Just went away for the weekend to find on our return that you certainly have been flying and are almost on dry land. Loved the bit about the parrot and the signs that land is in sight. It has become such a big part of our life following your progress - the highs and lows that I shall have to take up a new hobby to fill in the time devoted to you both. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Love Clive and Andy xx

Amazing to think how heavy the boat may have been when the guys started out from Oz Amazing to think they could now be as little as three days from the shore Amazing to think literally how far they've gone especially bearing in mind the sea and weather Amazing to think how many more people know about Orchid because of this race xxx

Our eyes are on the edge of the horizon, as you can imagine, where the rolling Oceans meets the Reef ; can only just hear the powerful roar as it hits and disappears again. We are getting very excited ~ a few more days then something we have been waiting for for sooooo long. As soon as we greet them i promise everyone we will give them your messages. Just keep sending them and thank you for all your support over the last few months. This is sooooo powerful ~ masses of love to all. xtina and nigel

Guy I've checked. You will definitely be the first man with a baboon's bum to row the Indian Ocean. Congratulations.

Lads, a news update on the Woodvale site confirms that last week's epic row is a RECORD for the greatest Distance To Finish in any 7 days for any boat in this race!! FF's DTF for 19th - 26th July was a staggering 449nm. An average daily DTF of 64nm! This beats the record held by the 8-man Aud Eamus of 442nm set in May. http://www.indianoceanrowingrace09.com/news/article/57/ferkins-establish-best-7-day-dtf-mileage We all thought it looked good but that is amazing! Well done the pair of you - not long now and you'll be able to see land. Keep hunting those records! Rx

"On these sands and in the clefts of the rocks, in the depths of the sea, in the creaking of the pines, you'll spy secret footprints and catch far-off voices from the homecoming celebration." - Homer. You will not see us but all your loyal dot followers will be there in spirit on the beach, counting each stroke of the oars until you safely reach the shore. Let's put out the flags. You're nearly home. With love Jill and David Holmes