Category: Uncategorised

Shortly before Christmas the team faced the frustration of one of the solar powered batteries giving up despite efforts to fix it. They have therefore had to carefully manage use of power so that essentials such as the water meter and navigation system can still be run. As a result the ability to send videos and updates can be slightly intermittent. The use of a satellite phone is always available though so contact with families can still be made.

Shortly after New Year the team passed the half way point, a huge milestone, however with this came a change from significant high waves to flat water. This might appear pleasant in comparison, however flat water is heavy to row through, particularly tough in the heat with limited cooling winds. To adapt to the conditions, the team changed from their usual 2 hours on, 2 hours off schedule to 1 hour on, 1 hour off.

Despite this the team have made outstanding progress and are currently positioned 10th team overall and 2nd mixed and military team. Until today it was hoped that more strong trade winds would help speed up their travel to Antigua however unfortunately the constantly changing conditions are not changing in the teams favour and there could be a few slow and frustrating days ahead. Every mile however is a positive one and today alone saw another 53 nautical miles rowed.

The build up to Christmas saw some of the roughest weather the team has experienced so far with some near capsizes and constant practicing of wet and dry drills. 25 knot winds and 3m+ waves contributed to a slight drop in morale; as anyone can imagine, trying to row and sleep in those conditions is not easy.

By Christmas day the wind speeds had dropped considerably making the waves a much more manageable height and the team were able to enjoy some Christmassy snacks including stollen and Christmas cake which had found their way onto the boat. A very enjoyable addition to normal rations! The sun also made an appearance enabling the team to enjoy a dip in the ocean.

Getting in the water to clean the bottom of the boat of barnacles is essential for reducing the drag of the boat. After 19 days at sea barnacles can cause a 0.5 knot reduction in speed if not removed. This can be a little scary, especially knowing other teams have had a marlin strike!

Some facts from over the Christmas period:

• The team have completed their 100th session each – that’s 200 hours each on the oars!
• The team are currently rowing through the deepest part of the Ocean – 5,000 m below them is the sea floor… that’s also the closest land to them!
• They are nearly at the halfway point.

Since departing La Gomera the team have faced all conditions, beautiful nights under the stars, pods of dolphins swimming around the boat and the much anticipated choppy seas.

Initial sickness subsided fairly quickly and the team have worked well together, making good speed and using the currents to their advantage. If you have been following the teams progress (if you haven’t check out the YB races app) you will have noticed that the teams first headed South rather than West. This enabled them to use the currents to their advantage, rather than fight against the currents which would have forced them further north than they would like. The shortest latitudinal route isn’t necessary the quickest when ocean rowing!

The team will have been glad to have been clipped in during this period as the sea has been pretty rough. In the video you can see the impact of the swell when rowing doesn’t make it easy!