Historical Blog Archive

Hey Boys, Great to hear from you and glad to see you are catching up Southern Cross. Their website is rubbish and certainly no way near as good as this. You guys are repeatedley top of google (even above the main race website) so well done to the blogging and everyone that is submitting comments. You'll also be pleased to hear that your fame is spreading, everyone Neil and I meet gets to hear of the "2 brave nutters" that are rowing across the Indian Ocean. Anyway good work lads, keep it up. You're doing fantastically well and we're all very proud of you. Looking forward to the next voice mail message. Kat xxx P.S Any chnace of getting to see any pictures? Do you look like Tom Hanks in Castaway yet?

I'm thinking of starting a "beard watch" in The Resident. Do you have any way of taking measurements?! Also, anymore shark sightings/stalking incidents to report - just to y'know, add some drama? Please give us a full de-barnacling debrief too. Keep rowing boys xxxx

Actually forgot to mention in blog that Andrew told me that his beard was in fact longer than the hair on his head!!! Dont know about Guy but Andrew will definitely be a Castaway regret.

Hi........beat those southern cross boys lads! As Jem says the trend continues. All the way lads! Thewy

Was watching a programme about sleep the other night and it was proven that taking a nap during the hours 2-5pm were far more beneficial than any other time - apparently Dee Caffari tried this formula and look what happened for her!!

hi guys.... chris and sarah's thought for the day. (we've got a book-can you tell?!) 'If the idea is not at first absurd, then there is no hope for it' Albert Einstein manly hugs and back slaps. xx

Hi Andrew and Guy. After talking to Lina I am now a first time Blogger.We have been watching your daily progress with great admiration and interest since we watched you all leave Geraldton.The weather back here on the shores of the Indian Ocean has remained dry and warm to hot like when you were here at Easter and preparing for the start of the race. As farmers we are eagerly awaiting our first winter rains. It last rained in Nov. I hope the rain forcast for next week does not rock the boat too much. Most of our winter rain comes from the southern Indian Ocean, just keep north of it. Keep up the good work and safe rowing. Roger

UPDATE: SC have picked up their pace over yesterday; but so have we... Distance behind SC; Sun - 108 Mon - 92 Tues - 79 Weds - 69 Thurs - 60 24 hr speed; SC 2.15 FF 2.58 still 20% quicker - they are v pleased and have found a rhythm - could be catching the fours at this rate [I wish]. I would like to stick my neck out and say that [all things remaining equal] there is no way that SC can outrun us in this weather. Talking of which it's a bit feisty at the moment, 20-25 kn ESE, the worst it'll be for another week as it abates and settles to an easy weekend and early next week. Blowing old boots at the back end of next week, but the boys are happy handling the conditions. The new tracker is unable to be started and seems fooked. So I'll be relaying positions daily [at 0700] as I have been this week giving their 0600 UTC position so it will match up with the SC tracker data for the morning for comparison. Spirits high and Del v happy about ManU creeping forward. Anyway, to go a goal down against WIGAN, WTF? Jem

Well, by my reckoning at the pace you're going now you've done almost a third of your time at sea. Nice. Oh, and if you didn't know, Carrick scored in last min and Man U beat Wigan 2-1...pretty much got the title now. But more importantly Brighton stayed up. And Andy Murray's now world no.3.. even if he still couldn't beat me ;-) j

So far the last 24 hours have recorded probably your best mileage statistic. My question is have the seas ever been flat calm? Guy make sure you secure yourself before cleaning off the barnacles and salt deposits you don't want to see Andy rowing off without you! Could be a delicacy within the barnacles? Keep safe. Nigel

Seen any shooting stars as yet? Lots of changes at work Guy - redundancies you wouldn't believe! Sara has now left us of her own accord but still visiting us for our training in the forest! Life goes on! Well done you guys - really coming along nicely! xx

Well done you two, you are doing great! There are two videos in the gallery one of the days leading up to the race and another of the race start. Take a look!

http://www.indianoceanrace.com/gallery.php

Chalk me down for Smith and Weston challenge!...I'm going to get some practice in at the Chichester branch! Having said that I have been involved in some eating/drinking competitions with you before Guy and have never won! Notably the gallon of milk challenge circa 2003- happy times! Good message lads, currently trying to picture a semi naked hybrid of Osama Bin Laden and Bill Odie sat next to a semi naked Sherriff of Nottingham in a boat in the middle of an ocean...hillarious. Anyway..keep snapping at Southern Cross's heels! Neil.

Nice save Mr Watts!!! but honestly delaney aside from the obvious how the hell can scarlett johansson or myself help you reach mauritius. think tactically delaney, follow your head not your..............!!!!!xxxx

nice vids in the gallery - well done

Hey guys, hope you are doing well, can't believe you are already 25 days in! I know I shouldn't talk about food but I certainly think you two deserve some pretty serious meals when you get back - pop yourselves down to us at Arundel and I'll arm myself with the pan for a serious fry up :). Just been looking at the photos of us all at the Boat Show last year - still makes me laugh thinking about your 'coffin' sitting there right next to those 5 mill Sunseekers! Get yourself back safe guys and we'll be back there this year! Take care and see you soon, Claire xx

Have you named the cuddly toys!? Have you learnt the star constellations yet?! You guys are doing friggin awesomely....keep it up. Good luck with the barnacle duties! Sophs sends her luv & will blog you soon! xx PS James (Gubb) are we going to seeing you at Wimbledon this year then!?

Hi Guy and Andy, Hope the whiskers aren't too tickly!! I expect you're like two hairy bears sat there rowing. Hope the weather will continue to improve for you . ( We here in UK would loke the weather to improve too....cold, and damp this end.) Sarah's fine, sends her best for you both. She really seems to be enjoying life at sea!! Its been so lovely too, Guy to have Christina watching and reading Sarah's blog. She's popping in here on Sunday, with Tom. It 'll be good to meet them. keep smiling boys......just think of all those delicious fry-ups you'll be able to have. Which will come first, the beer or the food? Stay safe, Helen

Isn't the Sheriff of Nottingham Lily Allen's Dad in real life....?

UPDATE: SC have picked up their pace over yesterday; but so have we… Distance behind SC; Sun - 108 Mon - 92 Tues - 79 Weds - 69 Thurs - 60 Friday - 63 Showing their grit, SC have picked up a bit and lost less yesterday. The girls are ok with this for various reasons, not least of which is that they have rowed a little less because of local conditions Another tracker will be passed onto the boat from the support vessel, until then it will be 24 hours updates here. Jem More tomorrow!