The British Ocean Rowing Team are back on track, the move south has paid off for the team and they are now experiencing tail winds from the north west. Sunday 28th January was day fourteen of the attempt to break the Trans-Atlantic rowing record and the team posted their best mileage so far; 97 miles. More importantly, in a westerly direction towards Barbados.
Dom Mee had missed a sat. phone call on Saturday and the shore team were worried about a communication problem onboard but the team captain reported in on Sunday with good news;
“We got hit by some fairly big waves which drenched the satellite antennae, no dramas though, one spray with Innotec AS1500 and she was good as new. The wind has swung around to our starboard quarter and we are caning the miles, after being dogged by headwinds.
We are now up against it but the lads are determined to make up the lost miles and get to Barbados by the 18th February, there was a big cheer on board as we rowed passed the 1,000 mile mark. It was always going to be a tough record to beat but if anybody can do it, it will be this team, we have been pacing ourselves and now have the benefit of a good rest. If the weather holds there is no doubt that this team can step up the pace.”
The team have 11 days to row approximately 1100 miles, they need to average one hundred miles a day. The weather looks set to give the team a sleigh ride into Barbados and the Royal Marines Reservists have been pacing themselves for a sprint finish. Wednesday 31st January will be half way through the 35 day target.
Now that the weather has come round to your way of thinking I'm glad to hear the frustrations of the last few days have lifted and morale is high. Dig out fellas!
Posted by: Cavesy | 29 January 2007 at 11:02
We're all with you, urging you on every mile of the way. You're the guys who can do the impossible. Day and night — go for it!
Posted by: Chris Stevens | 29 January 2007 at 11:09
Work those guns guys, dig deep, lets have a party to remember
Posted by: Chris C | 29 January 2007 at 11:45
Good to hear your making progress again. Its all downhill now! Looking forward to hearing reports of over 100 miles a day. My last day in Tenerife today, when I get back need to persuade my boss to give me another week off. If he does then I will see you in Barbados!!
Chris
Posted by: Chris Bird | 29 January 2007 at 11:59
Guys - one J.Wilkinson is back in the England team to face the Scots on Saturday.
The natural order of the cosmos is being restored - Jonny's back at 10, GB are going to get the transatlantic record back off the French, and I am drinking too much.
Cheers!
Posted by: Pete Blackman | 29 January 2007 at 16:49
I know you lads can do this. You've done so well. Turn up the throttle and get to Barbados for some of that RUM! Blow wind blow. happy surfing dudes!
Posted by: chris martin | 29 January 2007 at 17:31
throw all the smokes over the side and Dom will get you there by next saturday!!stay safe and keep going1
cheers bigman
Posted by: guy reid | 29 January 2007 at 18:05
Right then Tom - You can start rowing now! Fantastic progress, keep it up and stop watching the turtles. We're all cheering you on here.
All the best
Bryony
Posted by: Bryony Wright | 29 January 2007 at 19:57
Great to see the bateau back on track moving fast again! You can break that record, we all believe in you! Sending you lots of energy for those 100 miles a day. Allez les champions! With you all the way! xx
Posted by: Alpha-Lima | 29 January 2007 at 22:58
Full speed ahead lads, lets get that record back to Blighty!
Posted by: Baz Roche | 30 January 2007 at 08:11
Keep up the good work guys - this has got to be easier than the bottom field! Dig deep and god speed.
Posted by: Mark Hankey | 30 January 2007 at 09:01
Brilliant boys!! Back on track.
I have faith in you all and more importantly the weather man. So, get those ocean rowing guns out and get cracking. (That includes you 'sloth'.)
I also call on all supporters to put in a super human posting effort and keep those comments coming!!
Inspirational boys...
Posted by: Alastair Wiles | 30 January 2007 at 09:04
Look to the horizon amigo's you can hear the steel drums & smell Da Rum!!
Titchokido
Posted by: Adrian Wibrew | 30 January 2007 at 09:39
Keep up that fantastic pace - you're doing brilliantly !
Posted by: Liz J | 30 January 2007 at 09:40
Those little yellow squares on our map are going west again - yay! Looks all down hill from this angle. Keep going guys - keep 'stroking'!!
Posted by: Jo James | 30 January 2007 at 12:19
Eddie (SPORT BILIE)
Keep it going old boy, just bear mind that the real test of endurance will be to keep up with me on the drinking front when you you guys SMASH ! the fench.
Thinking of you all.
Your Mentor
Jason Mawer
Posted by: Jason Mawer | 30 January 2007 at 15:30
Hi there Ed (& the rest of the crew) - Just to let you know that the ex-Sandonite crowd are all cheering you on. Jo is breaking records herself back here in the 'proudest sis' category...kind of a sibling version of the schoolground 'my dad's bigger than yours'!! I'm just about to forward the link to Tom & chivvy him as to why he doesn't take the rowing boat next time he heads back from Oz...Best of luck. Push on. Amy xxx
Posted by: Amy Wicksteed | 30 January 2007 at 17:22
Hey Guys
Just been talking to somone from the British Embassy High Commision and he reckons Saturday night is the best night to party. So keep gunning! They are planning a great reception for when you arrive too!!
Posted by: Chris C | 30 January 2007 at 18:51
Ed, can you swing by Oz on your way back? I'd buy you a celebratory beer! Good luck lads.
Posted by: Tom Wicksteed | 30 January 2007 at 21:23
Rien grande volonté jamais ne soit réalisé sans grands hommes, et les hommes sont grands seulement s'ils sont déterminés pour être ainsi
Posted by: Jac Chad | 30 January 2007 at 21:37
Do a little more each day than you think you possibly can.
Lowell Thomas
Posted by: anon | 30 January 2007 at 21:50
fantastic effort so far guys, remember no matter how hard things seem, there is always someone, somewhere worse off, they're just not rowing the atlantic that's all!!!
Posted by: Spence | 31 January 2007 at 00:38
www.oceanrowing.com
Check out the latest position on this site the mapping is much tastier than little yellow squares...
Posted by: Adrian Wibrew | 31 January 2007 at 09:09
A bunch of "Royals" on a mission to crack the Atlantic in a world record time ..... There's no-one else in the world id put my money on!! Keep cracking on fellas!!
Posted by: Dave Palmer | 31 January 2007 at 09:18
now that you'll be mixing with big wave surfers, the phrase "eddie would go" can now be used on yourself ed - after legendary Hawaiian surfer Eddie Akau - he had bigger balls than most. But now not you guys! Mucho respecto lads!!
Posted by: Andy Narracott | 31 January 2007 at 12:45