We’re just off Salcombe now! Family and friends came out but weird not being able to get on or off boats like we’ve got the plague! Anyway, we’re getting some good rest and heading off in the morning! (You’ll probably get this message after we’ve left) [Editor’s note: we did]
Next blog…
Big day.
We started rowing at 10pm on the 5th with the intention of anchoring when the tide turned against us but when it got to that stage we found we were still making good progress so carried on. Those early morning shifts can be hard work, 3am to 4.30am can be interesting, Jason mentioned earlier in the race that I was sleeping at the oars for 10 mins (I was dreaming) but still continued rowing?.. So as we got closer we could work out whether we had a window to get past Start Point, with previous speeds to go by and the wind and swell we felt sure we’d make it.
Friends and family started to gather to plan a trip out to see us which is amazing but also a little pressure. With 15 miles to Start Point, only 4 hours until the tide turned and achieving only just over 3 knots if was going to be tight at best. We decided getting both of us in the oars would really help so we nailed an hour then switched to half hour bursts which seemed to work 🙂 it was a real struggle though because, conscious of time, we hasn’t eaten much, something we’re usually very good at.
Got into around Lannacombe, I rowed to keep us off the rocks whilst Jason cooked up some grub, once we got that down we slowly made our way around Prawl Point against the tide towards Elendor Cove which is now where we’re staying the night to recover. We think we spotted Inez (an incredible support to us) up on the cliff tops waving, if it is you Inez then let us know! 🙂
In the rush to Start Point we were getting text messages saying 1 team was out, 2 teams? And now possibly 3?! Our hearts go out to the Coast Girls, we’ve had some contact here and there and being the other pair there’s a certain connection there anyway! Hopefully they’re both ok and we’ll see them soon. Pure Gym also out and towed into our hometown of Salcombe?! A real shame, it was about the only thing we had to relate to a race, chasing down the Pure Gym guys knowing actually we had very little chance.
They’re all tucked up at my parents place now which is a little bizarre but they’ll be looked after by them and my girlfriend (Helen). Hallin Marine also out, a real shocker for us, they are such a strong team, it shows anyone could be out but looking at positives it means we’re in 3rd place, albeit last 🙂 .. We’re sticking to our original plan, get around safely and cleverly.
We met up with family and friends, a little more emotional than I thought it would be? Especially when they bring the lifeboat out with family shouting and waving, it was a strange scenario because no one could change boats, we couldn’t really talk that well and I couldn’t even give my girlfriend a kiss?
We offloaded some rubbish and tried shouting back and forth to answer questions. We had little or no signal for most of the day and nothing tonight so sure there will be a big catch up as we move tomorrow. Amazing finish to the day though, a few sly tears and hopefully a refreshing night. Bring on the Lizard and Lands End!
Thanks everyone.
JT x