Historical Blog Archive

rossiter - no sideways drag reported from the dagger board, they've played with it in various positions, mixed reports, has uses in some windows of opportunity. gang, FF are still under para anchor as SC have snuck away NW in slightly different wind, but we hope to be off by the weekend as the wind drops slightly. going stir crazy!!! Jem

Claire/Sarah Antarctica? I'd heard the North Pole!!

Alright boys, Just thought I would let you know I am still alive after the dirty stag weekend in Newcastle. I won't spare any of the gory details over the blog but it was top notch. Paintballing on saturday morning after a very large drinking session the night before was interesting. Somehow, I managed to shoot my own team member in the back of the head at point blank range. Having to drink from a beer bottle covered with my sock were just a few of the delights that I experienced! I have lots of photos for you to enjoy when you get back. Sorry to hear about the weather down there on the ocean, sounds bloody frustrating but you have done fantastic to get this far so keep it up or I will send Mr T after you in a helicopter like in the Snickers advert! Keep on rowing fools! Just watching the first day of the Ashes series at the moment. England are batting and are 120-3 at the moment. Keep on going boys and let's get some decent weather behind you. Chorlts

yes if the Arctic or Antarctica or whatever stay on the back burner they might melt - problem solved! :-)

Hi there guys, Hope you're ok. Sarah is rowing in seas that feel like concrete she says.hard work, with the winds not blowing as she would like. She's having the Minstrels tomorrow to celebrate 100 days at sea...................what a feat!! Banana Test There was a very, very tall coconut tree and there are 4 animals, a Lion, a Chimpanzee, a Giraffe, and a Squirrel, who pass by. They decide to compete to see who is the fastest to get a banana off the tree. Who do you guess will win? Your answer will reflect your personality. So think carefully . . ... Try and answer within 30 seconds Got your answer? Now scroll down to see the analysis. ................. .................. .................... If your answer is: Lion = you're dull. Chimpanzee = you're a moron. Giraffe = you're a complete idiot. Squirrel = you're just hopelessly stupid. A COCONUT TREE DOESN'T HAVE BANANAS. Obviously you're stressed and overworked. You should take some time off and relax! Try again next year. what answer did you get???? Keep smiling. Everyone is willing those winds to change. HUGZ Helen

There is one team name that doesn't contain any of the letters in "mackerel"? Name it... (couldnt actually remember this so had to google it... so you can have another one too as there was a whole list..) Name 7 teams that have a type of building in their name? Answers at the weekend! Keep rowing boys xxx

What do you mean by teams nic?

oopsie... silly nicola... football teams!

hello boys, you have done so amazingly well!!!!!! keep up the good work!!. we all are thinking of you at Bard and quite often comment on what is happening out there. I hope they have got a first class room waiting for you at the hotel in Mauritius, im sure a decent , comfortable nights sleep is long needed!!!!! Take care of yourselves and keep rowing. You are on the home straight now. love wendy and ryan. xxxx

Do I detect movement from Ferkins? Jeremy, can you tell us - do they have enough time left to overtake SC? Can anyone explain a confusion I have from the progress site. I see that RFP have now finished and they are hailed as being in second place - but I thought that both Bexhill and Pura Vida had finished ahead of them. In my books that puts RFP in third. Has someone been disqualified without any mention on that site?

Hi Guys Well you are passed the two thirds mark - that must feel fantastic! Denise and I were just wondering how Lolita was? Hope you are both well, lol xx

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