Historical Blog Archive

Woke up this morning and checked mileage straight away. The screen says that at 6am there were *only* 30 miles left. I can remember a time when our geography teacher would have been impressed if we could merely identify where Australia and Mauritius are. This is a historic day. Well done gentlemen! You have shown great courage in battling the seas. At every step from the concept to the finish you have displayed determination, strength and most importantly humour. It has been gripping to watch your progress online, from the terrifying storms of week one to the sound of a whale at night. Through this challenge you have honoured the bonds of family and friendship and have proved you are extraordinary young men. Again, I wish to thank you for taking months out of your lives and risking great danger to do all of this for a charity that is so important. Always look back on your ocean memories with great pride XX

This could be a long day we are waiting countdown here at the GBYC - arrival time to be confirmed so won't make any comment on that but it's not long now. I'm still amazed I have finger nails left........... Thank you to everyone who has been supporting the boys - Australia, USA and most importantly UK. One soon to be very relieved Mother. Claire x x

Hi Tina - great to hear that Gemma has made it in time to meet the boys in - do you have an eta? Andy x

Sooooooooooo cloooosssssee!!!!!

the boys are about 20 miles from the finish updating the blog will be from me over the next five hours. Eta at the line is about 3pm BST. The finish for the land to land record is around the corner at the yacht club two hours further on as they tip-toe around a reef on the top right of Mauritius. They have a safe back up plan if they cannot navigate around the reef in the dark. The point they are passing is the 'Cap Malheureux', so we will be giving the 'Cape of Unhappiness' a wide berth... Everything good on the boat. Boys can see the island and it's getting emotional. Will be in touch here soon. Jem

Amazing stuff... I think I've broken the 'refresh' button on my laptop! Boys, one question. You have got your passports right? It's a hell of a way back to Oz to fetch them if not... With you every length of the way. Rx

Quality comment!!! Of course, if you're Mr Fishbourne after walking 50 miles on DofE you may well do... well car keys anyway.. (Rusty, you'll know what I'm referring to!!) Why's the main site not updating more often?! Putting myself back in the boat for the first time in few years, imaging what it's like. Come on!!!! Oh, and the sweepstake. If we're going on nearest slot to the finish time, it's a race between Gail Drew and Marco Cortese. Gail, if they take a few more hours, you've won!!! j

Oh I was so excited and jumping up and down but I can see that Marco will win as Guy and Andrew will surely come in in the next few hours! Still never mind I am happy to have been second! Well done Marco Guy/Andrew, the champagne is in the fridge for the end of our working day today! Bit different to your working day I think. SAFE ARRIVAL IN MAURITIUS AND ONCE AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS AND ENJOY THE CELEBRATIONS! XXXXX

Reading the comment from Jeremy, I think you should give the reef an extremely wide berth to be on the safe side in the dark Its nothing to do with winning the watches of course ...........

Wow! I can't believe that after so much build up, fundraising and gruelling effort land is in sight! I won't say 'congratulations' quite yet, but well done to Guy and Del, and everyone else involved. Keep going and make sure you hit that target!! (Given that one crew already missed it) Can't wait to see you when you get back and hear more about it. Tina, on a scale of 1-10, how likely is it that you are going to cry when you see Guy again? (For whatever reason!)

The difference being that Mr Brown only knows what it's like to be on a sinking ship..... ;-)

Re Goldie's post (above): you forgot 'shave'!

Take it home boys. x

well I am jealous and SO disappointed that I am not there!!! boo. Oh well, as everyone is saying in the amazing unconditional support I am SO SO proud of both the boys. and delaney cant wait for a big hug, have missed you, though 5 months has gone scarily quickly, sarahxxxxxx

Charlie and I watching your progress and getting excited! What an achievement. Thinking of doing a bit of canoeing in Southwater Country Park! Keep on keeping on! Love Jean and Charlie

12 miles to go... Give us an update Jem! James is it too late to enter the sweepstake? (I've almost worn away the 'F5' on my keyboard - make it quick lads!)

This is unbelievable! I can't believe they can see land, what a feeling that must be like! A tingle down my spine when I just read the last blog entry. How far they have come is absolutely amazing. Very very very proud of both of them. Guy - you have been truly missed and Nelope and I can't wait to have you back!!! Lots and lots of love, Little Jo xx

I'm so blimmin excited - well done you boys! I'm incredibly proud of you and totally chuffed for you both! Del, I can't wait to see you when you're back here in boring ol London...! It's been an absolute pleasure to watch and read about your journey. See you soon! Lots of love n hugs, Helen Sarah - what a shame that you have just missed them!!!

Del and Guy, You two are absolute legends, 12 miles to go according to the official Indian Ocean Rowing Race website. A big well done from all the Chorltons, almost there. Bet you can smell the Mauritian curries wafting through from land. I assume you have both been rowing naked for the most of the journey. All I would say is that you remember to put your clothes back on before reaching the finishing line. We would not want the spectators to remember the classic Kodak finish for the wrong reasons! I imagine next time I log on you would have made it. Peace out my brothers and get to that finishing line dammit. Chorlts

Come on boys, you must be there by now. This dot watching is a nightmare, the refresh button is indeed broken, all we need now is for you to get the cold crisp beer in your hands. Well done, we all knew you could do it, although was hoping for a few more shark stories.