‍

BLOG 4

‍

Day 15‍

During the afternoon most of the crew took advantage of being on the para anchor to have a swim. We swam in pairs, with each person in the water held via a grab line by a person on the boat. It was a truly special experience, swimming hundreds of miles out to sea and in water 5km deep.

During late afternoon the wind dropped and we came off para anchor. Initially the rowing was quite hard work and slow, but there was a surreal beauty to the flat, cloudy ocean. Overnight the wind has shifted to a northerly direction, so we now have a gentle cross wind and can maintain 2 knots.

‍

Day 16‍

A day of steady progress. Light cross winds and intermittently slight choppy seas have allowed continous progress towards Antigua. During the evening, we crossed the 1/3 point, and we will now hunt down the 1000 mile marker over the next couple of days.

Overnight excitement was provided by 2 flying fish landing in Martin's bed, who fortunately, was not in it at the time. I can now add cleaning fish scales out of a bed to my previously unknown ocean rowers skill set. It's up there with, but not as enjoyable as, opening a boiled sweet one-handed whilst rowing.

‍

Day 17‍

Today can only really be described in one word - brutal! Lots of cross wind, choppy rough seas, and a constant struggle to keep the boat on course. Rowing requires full concentration to try and get your oar in the water, but not get it stuck in the water. If you imagine a rowing machine on the back of a bucking bronco, you wouldn't be a million miles away.

Brian and I won 'crab of the day' awards, both being pushed out of both shoes and off the back of our rowing seats. Jim took a flying fish to the face. On the positive side, we were able to row continuously, and good mileage has been covered.

‍

Day 18‍

An easier day, which was very welcome. Also very welcome was finally hitting the 1000 mile mark. With recently losing 2 days to being on para anchor and then making back the distance lost, we had missed our initial 1000-mile 'target' and it had felt like ages coming.

We are now looking towards the halfway mark, which will hopefully happen on Christmas eve. Currently, headway is good, with us making 8-9 miles, occasionally 10, per 3 hour shift. But as we have already discovered, anything can and does happen at sea, so we cannot extrapolate current progress into future progress.

This part of the trip can be subject to trade winds and favourable currents, and that is what we are currently enjoying. Potentially, this makes the later stages quicker than the earlier ones, which is what we are all hoping for. It is still much too early to predict an arrival time, but 40-something days seems likely.

‍

‍

BLOG 3

‍

Day 13

Friday 13th got off to quite a start, with Captain Neil suddenly taken unwell in the early hours. Speedy treatment from Damian and Johnny suggested it was probably the virus that had affected Louise earlier in the week.

We have been pushing quite hard to get south and hopefully avoid the worst of headwinds at the weekend. Rowing off the wind - heading in a south westerly direction in a westerly wind - can be pretty relentless. Morale had been a little bit lower but a really lovely display of flying fish and Dorado’s around the boat has really lifted spirits later this afternoon.

Day 14

Overnight, the winds strengthened and turned against us. Rowing was abandoned and a bit later, as the winds swung to easterly, we went onto para anchor. We are likely to remain on para anchor until well into tomorrow. Conditions are pleasant now, but it was a wet and fairly rough night and morning, with a few biblical downpours. Obviously, there is some frustration that we are not progressing towards Antigua, but relief that the para anchor is doing a good job and we have travelled only a few miles in the wrong direction.

The crew system has gone a bit out of the window with lots of us on deck for a lot of the day. This gives us the opportunity to chat to those on the opposite watches who we normally don't see much of. Johnny has been diligently trying to catch a fish, but so far, no luck. Neil is recovering from his virus very well but struggling with a muscular type of pain in his arm/ribs.

The skies have been utterly spectacular, and we have got to see the sunset and sunrise, even if we would normally be in our cabins. The enforced rest has also given the sore bums and muscles a welcome rest.

As is so often the case on this boat some of the best times are at what could be the grimmest, such as 4 of us laughing huddled together under a canopy in the heaviest rain you have ever seen whilst Johnny did an impression of a super stoical gnome. Hood literally pulled down to cover his entire face, body hunched against the wind and rain, fishing away from his rowing seat.

‍

Day 15

Whilst we are currently on para anchor we thought it would be nice to do another whole crew update:

Damian

If it was easy, everyone would be out here doing it. Thoughts are full of family and friends. Being on para anchor is like having a never-ending plane delay.

Jim

We have witnessed the most amazing sunsets at sea, made some great mileage. The crew is working well together. It would be nice to not need to but on our waterproof gear. Antigua here we come. Highlight of the week was singing sea shanties.

Brian

Another week of amazing sunrises, sunsets, laughter and some brutal night shifts. Feeling rested after para anchor and ready to get back on the oars.

Louise

I've enjoyed the last week, feeling time rich, being in the moment with only our small boat out to sea.

Neil

I've got the best co-skipper in the world! Feeling better now and looking forward to getting back on the move.

Ian

This week I have been struck by how reliant on Mother Nature we are. I've really enjoyed the sunsets, the rapidly changing skies, the moonlight, the stars and stunning cloud formations and shapes. Highlight for me being on deck during a monsoon like downpour with the ocean and rains merging and flowing. Privilege to be exposed to it all.

Kitty

Being on para anchor has been a challenge for my boredom threshold... But we've had some lovely conversations and found humour and joy in some slightly unlikely situations! Great progress earlier in the week, and looking forward to being back on the oars soon. Love to family and friends.

Johnny

End of week 2. Everything still fantastic on board. Really good to hear snippets from home that everyone is okay. Mixture of frustration and physical relief from 36 hours on para our bodies will definitely thank us for giving them a break. Cos we ain't there yet!

Dave

I'm particularly chuffed with my new personal best record achieved on day 3. Looking up at a 4m breaking wave and surfing down it at 10.6knots whilst sat on the poo bucket. There's no such thing as waterproof socks but they do retain water and keep your feet warmer a bit like wet suits.

‍

‍

BLOG 2

‍

Day 8

500 nautical miles reached! Our first big milestone was hit at around 4.30pm. Neil has waypoints plotted all the way to Antigua - now a mere 2150nm! The weather continues much the same with moderate winds leading to some choppy conditions and regular drenching, but decent speeds.

The actual big event of the day was Ian being the last person to break his poo bucket duck. Typically for Ian this event was marked by plenty of commentary, whilst the 'earlier adopters' took the mick.

Poor Louise has been poorly today, but hopefully following a rest day, and ably ministered to by paramedic Johnny, she will be back to full fitness soon.

Not much wildlife today but I was recently listening to a discussion as to what the collective noun for flying fish is - Jim was probably most accurate with his comment as to what they might be called when a shoal/flock hit you in the dark...

We have now moved on to a conversation on favourite cocktails and the first drinks people would like in Antigua.

Happy first wedding anniversary to Martin and his wife.

‍

Day 9

Last night, I was slightly perturbed to come out for a night shift and see the half moon was the wrong way up! In reality, it is a welcome sign of our changing latitude.

The weather has settled down this afternoon, giving flatter, less splashy rowing conditions. This also gives the welcome possibility of getting clothes hung out to dry. The unrelenting soggy knickers (and everything else) have led to some salt sores, but everyone is coping well, and Louise is much better today.

Progress is still good and spirits are high with the slightly easier rowing conditions.

Some sophisticated snack bag management led to both Babybel cheese and crackers being available together. The lack of port and pickle was noted by some...

Random quote of the day goes to Damian with "there are more airplanes in the sea than submarines in the sky".

‍

Day 10

Today has seen relatively low winds and slightly flatter waves. Progress is a bit slower but the wet stuff is mainly staying on the outside of the boat, which is nice! The calmer weather gave the opportunity to get a few jobs done. This included laundry, so the boat looks like a floating washing line.  There was also the opportunity for a few bits of minor maintenance and general tidying and cleaning of the cabins.

Ian went over the side on a line to check the bottom of the boat for barnacles, which was still clean. Swimming in the middle of the ocean was a big goal for Ian on this trip, so a special day for him, especially as it is also his wedding anniversary today.

We will continue on our south westerly course for the next few days, to try and avoid as far as possible an expected low pressure system. Whilst it is not expected to be severe, it will bring head winds - and Roxy is a big girl to row into the wind.

We had a 'musical interlude' in the early evening. There was some very enthusiastic (but not necessarily tuneful) singing along to a playlist of sea shanties. Martin also made some Mate Argentinian tea for us to drink and we all enjoyed a magical half hour as the sun set.

‍

Day 11

A beautiful big flying fish had made it's final home in the boat overnight. At least it didn't have quite such an undignified end as the smaller one a couple of days ago that had jumped into the loo bucket!

A couple of milestones were passed today - we are now more than 700nm from Tenerife and have less than 2000nm to go to Antigua. Story of the day went to Ian (again) with his tale of the contested cat cremated remains. There were a couple of games played on deck, and no one could believe that Dave, who we all had down as a Radio 4 man, had never heard of 'Just A Minute'.

Today we are back up to rowing as a 5 after various niggles and some people having the odd rest shift. It was a good opportunity to practice rowing properly together as a crew to maintain speed in quieter conditions.

‍

Day 12

We had some changeable weather overnight, including a couple of absolutely torrential downpours. This did wash the salt from our foul weather gear, and to some extent, our hair.

We have completed a task of great importance - the onboard snack audit. We were concerned that we had burnt through a disproportionate number of snacks early on due to sea sickness. Fortunately, there are a lot of snacks on board, and as long as we stick to one packet of sweets, one of dried fruit or nuts, and one of biscuits per day, we will be okay. That sounds a lot, but between 10 people working 12 hours each, it does need rationing! There is also 1 (fairly squashed) Babybell and half a high calorie flapjack per person per day.

More excitement has been provided by 2 ships passing within a couple of miles of us within half an hour, the first boats close enough for us to see for several days. For some reason, a tiny rowing boat bobbing around in the Atlantic ocean seems to entertain the ships?!

‍

‍

BLOG 1

‍

Day 1

We met at the dock and said our goodbyes to loved ones, either by phone or in person. We rowed away, turned around and headed out of the harbour to a sound track of Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now'. There was a great send off, with some fog horns and cheering. Some of the goodbyes were difficult, but the mood of the crew was one of excitement - we were underway!

The first 24 hours have seen ideal conditions. It started quite calm with the wind gently building overnight. We have had a nice bit of swell, but nothing scary or difficult. There was a minor problem with the auto helm, fixed at first light by the skipper, which has resulted in a slightly more westerly course than planned. There has been some seasickness, but everyone is managing to keep some food down. Spirits are high and everyone is encouraged by our good early speed.

‍

Day 2

We spent most of the day flying. The conditions got slowly stronger, which was great for speed but not helpful for sea sickness. Most of the crew were able to keep some food down but one or two really struggled.

At around 8pm two Atlantic dolphins came and spent a few minutes observing us.

At 1.30am the auto helm lost the ability to hold a course. Neil & Louise tried various options and decided a lost rudder was the most likely option. We went on para anchor and got as many crew as possible crammed into the cabins like sardines. Most of us slept amazingly well, as we waited to see what first light would bring.

‍

Day 3

At daylight, Neil went over the side and found the rudder had snapped off. A plan was devised to remove the fixings of the old one and then Neil was back in the water with the spare rudder. With Jim guiding from inside the boat, the rudder slotted into place at the first attempt. With rather less good fortune, a jelly fish then stung Neil on the hand as he tried to get back in the boat. We got back underway just after 10am UK time and have made really good progress again.

The seas are pretty big, averaging 3m waves, with some bigger ones thrown in, so we are getting regular soakings. The sea sickness is still a struggle for some of the crew, but on the positive side we reached 8.4 knots surfing down one wave!

Overnight, the weather continued to strengthen, which made for some great speed, but sometimes, it was a challenge to keep on the correct heading. Some of the night was very clear with some superb shooting stars.  

‍Day 4

Another day of strong winds and big waves - our top speed surfing down a wave was 10.6 knots! We have got better at maintaining course, using the flags as directional aids and holding water on one side, and rowing harder on the other as necessary. The rowing is quite tough in the strong conditions, but everyone is working hard and getting the job done.

Thankfully, even those worst affected by seasickness are improving and now able to eat at least some food.

It looks like the wind is here to stay for a bit, so speeds should be good, but it would be nice to get some clothes washed and dried at some point. I think we have all had a wave over our head at least once today, so there are lots of wet and smelly clothes already.

‍

Day 5

We ate the oranges we had onboard, and they were absolutely delicious. With the easier conditions, we had more time to look around and spotted the first flying fish and 2 butterflies. We also had a fish onboard, but it arrived via a wave rather than flying in!

With the calmer weather, the silliness returned and one of the more technical amongst us referred to the forward cabin as the 'pointy end' and the S and P on the hull were rechristened Salt and Pepper. Overnight conditions strengthened somewhat, but we managed to continue to make good progress on an acceptable course.

‍

Day 6

Another day with some really good rowing and some more challenging times with rougher seas and stronger winds. In the more difficult conditions we had been rowing the two sides separately, but overnight we put some graft into rowing as a team again.

The easier conditions lead to the best chatting conditions when the miles and hours fly by. The crew are now all pretty settled and in a nice routine. Some people are quite fatigued and there are a few salt water sores appearing. But overall we feel like a happy, settled, established bunch. The challenges over the first few days have built resilience and confidence in ourselves, each other and the boat and life onboard is good!

‍CREW UPDATES

Louise

Everybody has risen to the challenges, and I'm so impressed with every single person and the team spirit. Loving being part of the team.

Kitty

So far this trip is everything I hoped it would be. We have had some gnarly times but I wanted adventures and I'm getting them. It is an absolute privilege to be part of this crew living this experience.  

Johnny

Team is everything. When you are struggling it is gratifying to know everyone will dig out for you. That is the team we have. I am doing a very bad of being the onboard ornithologist but I am the crew crab catching expert!

Martin

This week was so challenging with the weather. I am so grateful and it is honour and privilege to share this trip with these amazing people who are there for each other. Let's go for the first 1000 miles!

Damian

I have been trying to take the advice of my father and 'just relax'. Its proving quite difficult when you have the equivalent of the Yorkshire dales coming at you in waves every few minutes. I know that any discomfort we feel out here will be to the benefit of Claire House Children's hospice.

Neil

Changing the auto helm, diving in to replace the broken rudder and 2 long stints on the para anchor tested my responsibilities as skipper in the first 4 days. The support from my co skipper and the acceptance from the crew to spend 2 very uncomfortable nights in big seas bought the crew together right at the start of the expedition.

Dave

In the words of Bridget Jones' Baby 'I've changed my mind'! Mary will understand. Joking apart, it's been an amazing experience. The teamwork required in ocean rowing has been outstanding and once over our initial 3 days when nearly everyone felt seasick, we have all been very supportive of each other. It has been a joy to get back on the ocean. And to have seen pilot whales and to experience living and breathing the motion of the ocean.

Jim

It is clear to me now that the Atlantic is bigger than the river Exe. Best bit is being on deck under the para anchor with the waves crashing over us, the tales of which I will bore the family with. Time on board has been fantastic fun if a little tiring!

Ian

Awesome experience. I'm glad I never thought about it too much before I came! Otherwise I may have missed out on what will undoubtedly be one of the most amazing, challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

Brian

Settling in quickly to life at sea. So much experienced just in the first few days. Amazing watching the crew tackle any challenge with calm and humour.

And they're off!

‍

TRAINING WEEK NOVEMBER 2024 IN TENERIFE

Day 1

Over the last couple of days, the Roxy Atlantic Ocean 2024-25 crew has arrived in Tenerife from all corners of the UK, Seattle, Argentina and Antigua. Last night we met as a full crew, over a couple of beers and pizza, generously hosted by Rannoch.

This morning it was time to meet Roxy down on the dock. She was put in the boat crane, and skipper Neil and co- skipper Louise oversaw her being lowered into the dock and taken to her mooring.  

The crew were allocated watches and tasks, and we unpacked and repacked the boat. My job is to be quartermaster of the aft cabin, so now I know where everything lives in that cabin.

Once the boat was repacked and we had all been allocated and fitted with our safety harnesses, PLBs (personal locator beacons) and life jackets, it was time for some rowing‍‍.  

We all got a chance to row in beautiful conditions and the boat was cruising along at a good speed, averaging nearly 3 knots into the wind and 4 knots with the wind behind us. There are clearly some strong, talented rowers on board, with rowing coach and master rower, Martin, being in stroke position at the start, setting us off in a fantastic rythym (the 'stroke' rower sits in the starboard number one seat and the rest of the crew matches their pace).

The crew has come together really well and the atmosphere is very positive. There is already plenty of banter and nonsense - as I write this, Ian is giving Johnny a swimming lesson and talking about 'mature swingers' which is apparently swimming terminology...

‍

Day 2

A slightly earlier start today for an 8.30am row. We covered about 12km in 2.5hr with 6 rowers up‍. This week is a really good opportunity not only to practice rowing together as a crew, but also to harden our hands and settle our stomachs, which will hopefully make the start of the crossing more comfortable.

Whilst we were on the oars, Neil and Louise spent some time with each crew member, talking about our current feelings and our expectations, hopes and anxieties for the row ahead.

Back on the dock, we had a demonstration of the para anchor. This is pretty much exactly as it sounds - a parachute that acts as an anchor. It can be deployed to prevent us from being blown off course when weather conditions are too strong to row against.

This afternoon we had a fantastic training session with Dawn Smith of Row Aurora, predominantly covered navigation, looking at how to plot our course on paper charts, and what we might do in the unlikely event of failure of the electronic navigation equipment.

The difference between true North and magnetic North was explained, and how this affects the heading needed. We also looked at the difference between the boat's heading and the heading over the ground, with the latter being the important one for staying on course.

We moved on to viewing the predominant wind, current and wave maps, and how we would manage our course to optimise the positive conditions and minimise the negative ones (at least in theory)! Apparently, there is a saying that on an Atlantic crossing east to west at this latitude, you head south "until the butter melts" (i.e. the weather gets warm), and then head west to take advantage of the prevailing winds.

There was lots of discussion around how to manage the boat efficiently in all sorts of weather conditions. Dawn also regaled us with tales of her crossings, both in Roxy and smaller Rannoch boats. Her enthusiasm and passion (combined with some coffee and cake) made for an afternoon that flew by.

‍

Day 3

Today started with a 12km row, again in beautiful conditions. Skipper and co skipper, Neil and Louise, were off the oars and spent time working out logistics and testing equipment 'in action'.

As we will be rowing with 5 people on the oars at a time, we worked out how to store the unused 6th oar quickly and easily in any one of the vacant 4 rowing positions.  The watermakers (2 small desalination plants) were run and checked. Dave will be helping with the watermaker so this was an opportunity for him to develop his knowledge of the system.

Back on shore, Neil, Louise, Jim and I met with Terry Daniels from Range Global Services, our telecommunications provider. Terry gave us a very informative session on the comms equipment on board - satellite phones, a Garmin InReach, an Iridium GO and the BGAN. We have several different options to provide ample contingency.

This afternoon was First Aid training with Dawn Smith of Aurora Sea School. We covered everything from more major incidents and how they might be handled at sea, to the mundane (but much more likely) sore bottoms and sea sickness.  We are lucky to have a wealth of first aid and medical knowledge on board, as well as an extensive first aid kit.

The last structured element of the day was a whole crew Q&A. The main topics covered were personal hygiene, managing changeovers, resolving conflict and communication with the outside world. It was a good opportunity for the seasoned rowers to share best practice and their personal experiences.

The crew has come together so well in Tenerife. Everyone is determined to make the most of this extraordinary opportunity, and to look after each other.

Day 4

Today was sea survival day! The morning was spent learning the theory: the priorities of survival are protection, location, water and food. We covered emergency equipment on board, distress signals, capsize, life rafts and rescue at sea. It was quite sobering as we learnt from previous incidents, although we are reassured by the exceptional safety record of Rannoch boats.

The afternoon had a very different tone -  practical sea survival! We refitted our on-board personal safety equipment and looked again at the boat's safety equipment. Then the (serious) fun began in the water.

We practiced getting in the life raft dry from the dock. Then it was time to inflate our life jackets and learn how to buddy up in the water and swim in crocodiles. We made sure we could climb into the life raft from the water, then practiced being dragged into it as casualties. Dignity was certainly not preserved!

The session finished with a team race of swimming as a crocodile to the life raft, getting in and shouting the raft mantra of

CUT (release the life raft from the boat), STREAM (let out the drogue), CLOSE (the life raft opening) and MAINTAIN (the conditions in the raft and health of those on board).

Eduardo, Roxy's pet crocodile, was fully involved, but somewhat concerned his claws might puncture the raft.

It was a very serious subject but we had so much fun in the water. A huge thank you must go to Dawn Smith for leading the last 3 days. It has been a superb training programme.

‍

Day 5

Today started with practicing shift changes on board the boat - safe to say the practice was required! Hopefully we will have mastered them after the 350 or so shift changes that we will do during the crossing!

We also used this time to get really comfortable with the clipping in system we use. We have three clips - one is attached to us, one to the boat at all times, with the third clip enabling us to move around without ever becoming detached from the boat.

We sorted and packed various bits of kit and food, ensuring there is a variety of flavours in each cabin.

Nicola's took our official crew photographs, and yet again no one could resist the chance for a bit of silliness.

Lunch was more expedition food, then we went for a short row and practiced another man overboard drill. It is sobering to see how quickly the person overboard ends up a significant distance from the boat if they are not clipped on, but the procedures we learnt worked well, and our skipper was soon safely recovered.

Rowing back to the marina, we realised that next time we get into the boat to row, we will be starting our crossing. I think we are all itching to get going, yet for some of us (like me!) the scale of what we are about to undertake probably hasn't really sunk in yet.

Tomorrow is a rest day and a chance to tie up any loose ends and for some of us to spend time with friends and family who have come to see us off.  I suspect for a lot of us it will also be a day to spend some time in our own heads and prepare mentally.

No blog tomorrow so next time you hear from me, we will be underway!

‍

‍Meet our 2024-25 crew:

Row 1 L to R:

Skipper: Neil Blackeby

Retired firefighter who can’t say no to an adventure at sea. This will be my third Atlantic crossing  (one by sail), and fifth ocean rowing attempt with another already in the pipeline. Doing it while I still can!

Co Skipper: Louise Brown

Sailed across the Atlantic and back in ‘96 and 2000. Rowed Roxy on her first Atlantic crossing in ’21 - best 42 days of my life. I love horses and dogs. Mother of three boys, granny of 3 sweeties.

‍

Row 2 L to R:

Brian Dykas

‍From Seattle, USA. Aerospace engineer and aspiring astronaut and explorer. Love the outdoors and being on the water; this will be my first ocean crossing. Excited for this trip, but wary as the last time I spent 40+ days in isolation, I emerged on 9-Mar-2020 to the world just retreating into isolation!

Kitty Hamilton

From England. Farmer, amateur event rider and mum of 4.  Part of the Roxy North Sea crossing in 2024 and Roxy GB row in 2021. Loves an adventure. Blogger for this crossing.

‍Johnny Bakewell

Can’t sit still for long. Looking to appreciate how big this world really is by rowing an ocean with people who already know the answer to the question, why?

‍

Row 3 L to R:

Martin Carosso

Argentinean, Buenos Aires, Don Torcuato. 36 years old. Teacher / Professor / Athlete / Entrepreneur. 13 years Rowing Coach. Lover of nature and challenges. When they ask me why? I answer; Why not?  When they ask me for what? I answer; To be me. Lightness, Gratitude, Enjoyment, Love, Teamwork.

‍Damian McCafferty

I'm 45 and live in the North-West of England.  Trained as a psychiatric nurse after leaving the military.  I am currently describing this trip as an attempt to be windswept and interesting, rather than a midlife crisis. I've always been a sucker for a good cause and an adventure, so the opportunity to row an ocean to support Claire House Children’s Hospice was too good of an idea to let pass.

Dave Coles

Retired pilot, 18 years in the Navy, 23 years in the airlines. Life long sailor. This will be my 4th Atlantic crossing - 3 sailing, 1st row. Now I want to give something back and do something useful for charity.

‍

Row 4 L to R:

Ian Tyers

English, 60 yrs old; swims oceans……. Tenerife to Antigua is too far ….. so will row it instead, with help from new friends! Why? ‘Coz I don’t know if I can but will have to once started.

‍James Nye

Retired police officer who decided getting blisters from rowing was more fun than working again. Looking forward to the mental and physical challenge of 40 days at sea.

‍

TRAINING WEEK SEPTEMBER 2024

‍Preparing to take on the Atlantic Ocean!

Our 2024-25 Roxy Atlantic crew met up at Ye Olde White Harte pub in Burnham on Crouch on the evening of Sunday 1st September. There was immediate rapport and good humour as they talked about why they had signed up for the row, and their hopes for the upcoming training week, designed to prepare them to take on the Atlantic Ocean.

On Monday morning, they assembled on the pontoon for an introduction to Roxy and some great photos were captured before they set off. After discussing the safety aspects of offshore rowing, how to stay attached to the boat, and where to find food and water, they set off for their first row together. Departing at 1100, they set off up the River Crouch and rowed in shifts until 1600, taking it in turns to row non-stop for 3 hours. They got used to each other’s rowing styles and made good progress. They practised rowing with and against the tide, covering a total of 35km. The evening was spent at The Ship pub, comparing blisters and their 'ape index' (ratio of arm span to height).  A good first day on Roxy!

On Tuesday the crew are in the Roxy yurt, discussing blister treatment before another day of rowing. White Spirit is proving effective but painful! The sun is shining as they set off on Roxy at 1100, heading out of the River Crouch against the incoming tide. They practice MOB drills and seat changeovers every 2 hours, as well as preparing meals on board. They had a surprise visit from Charlie (Founder of Rannoch) in a RIB - it was good to say a (rather damp) hello! They covered 28km, exploring the mouth of the River Crouch and the River Roach, rowing with and against the fast running tide. They finished at 1600 and after a review of the day at Ye Olde White Harte pub, thoughts turned to what to pack for the 48 hour row, starting on Wednesday. It's an opportunity to try out their kit and find out how they are going to sleep eat and row as a team. Exciting!

On Wednesday they set off, in a westerly direction then turned north up the east coast, headed for the Suffolk coast. This gave the crew a wonderful chance to get into the 3 on, 3 off rowing regime, learn to cook on board and become familiar with life in the cabins. The weather was kind, morale was high.

An interesting night row on Thursday from the River Blackwater back to Burnham-on-Crouch! After leaving at 1930 on the last of the ebb tide and powering down the river for 90 mins with 6 rowers, the crew then went into their shift pattern of 4 rowers, rowing 2 hours on, 2 hours off. Not too much wind but the tide was driving Roxy north and she needed to go south! Everyone put their backs into rowing but there were long periods when the boat speed was 0 knots - a real perseverance test.  

Eventually, at about 0530, the crew turned Roxy into the Slipway channel and started the long approach to the River Crouch. However, the tide was not co-operating. Through a foggy dawn, they rowed with boat speeds of 0 - 1 knot, barely able to see the navigation lights on the river, until about 0700, when the tide slacked off, and they started to make progress.

Charlie visited them in the RIB at 0900 to simulate a man overboard drill which the crew handled in a calm, effective manner. They covered the last few miles at good speed and arrived at the Marina at 1015 to a warm welcome from Charlie, Nicola and Quentin - the bacon butties were so welcome after 2 days of expedition food! Hot showers, coffee and a de-brief before they were on their way - with the foundations of an Atlantic crew firmly in place.

Thank you to skippers Neil and Chris, for a memorable and enjoyable experience. They rowed 167 km (104 miles) in 5 days, and whilst their bodies felt every bit of the journey, this crew developed a new and exciting level of resilience in rowing Roxy as a team.