Coastal Odyssey
Late on Saturday evening, with a promising weather window opening up, Coastal Odyssey set out from Carbis Bay, St Ives, heading towards St George's Channel. This stretch of water, connecting the Irish Sea with the Celtic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its strong tidal currents, busy shipping Traffic Separation Schemes (T.S.S.), and exposure to the full force of 3,000 miles of open Atlantic Ocean. Suitable and favourable conditions are crucial for this section.
Thankfully, the conditions were perfect, and the team made great progress as they headed towards St Davids to anchor in St Brides Bay. With another weather window opening up, the team seized the opportunity to row across to the Irish coastline. Early Wednesday morning, they reached the anchorage of Rosslare Bay. The final stages of this journey were challenging, with time spent on a parachute anchor and strong tidal currents creating a long, difficult, and physically demanding night for the team.
To celebrate their arrival off the Irish coast, the team enjoyed a tipple of Guinness (alcohol-free variety!). Currently anchored, Coastal Odyssey plans to move up the Irish coastline as soon as the weather allows.
Sea Change
On Saturday morning, Sea Change departed from West Port to cross Lyme Bay to Start Point. The remnants of strong south-westerly winds and a large swell meant crossing the bay was a challenging task. However, by Sunday morning, conditions had improved, and Sea Change made fast progress towards the Lizard Peninsula. They quickly rounded the peninsula and took a short anchorage in the beautiful Lamorna Cove to wait for the tidal window that would help them round Land's End before conditions deteriorated.
With northerly followed by westerly winds expected later the next day, the team decided to move to the Camel Estuary and moor inside Padstow Harbour until the weather conditions improve enough to allow them to cross over, either to the Welsh coast or towards the Irish coastline.
Skipper Kat Bruce has been interviewed by BBC Radio Devon today - tune into the afternoon show to hear her talk about the team’s journey so far.
Track both teams on the YB Tracking app to see how they’re getting on.
Image above shows Coastal Odyssey skipper Patrick Deacon enjoying a well-deserved beverage!
Previous updates:
23 June 2024
18 June 2024
13 June 2024
Follow these Instagram accounts for more images and videos from us and the teams:
GB Row Challenge / Sea Change / Coastal Odyssey