Day 48 dawned with an air of excitement. Yesterday, we pushed ourselves harder than ever before, achieving incredible speeds of over 9nm per shift. We even toyed with the idea of reaching Antigua by evening, aiming for 11 ten-mile shifts. The conditions were surprisingly favourable, with a strong current pushing us along despite the relatively light winds.
Overnight, we covered an astonishing 50nm, a testament to the incredible effort and teamwork of the crew.
This morning, the thrill of seeing land for the first time in weeks electrified the crew. A faint smudge on the horizon, it grew larger with each passing hour. Unfortunately, the wind has died down slightly, but we're still making good progress, now within 20nm of the harbour and anticipating an arrival between 8pm and 10pm.
The atmosphere on board is electric. Music is playing, the last of our snacks are being devoured, and even Ian is buzzing with excitement! Everyone is pushing harder, eager to reach the finish line as quickly as possible.
It's surreal to think that our journey is almost over. We can't wait to feel the solid ground beneath our feet, to reunite with our loved ones, and to finally enjoy a well-deserved cold beer. But there's also a tinge of sadness as we prepare to say goodbye to this extraordinary adventure.
Last night, we took a few moments to stand and simply soak it all in, enjoying one final 360-degree sunset.
Now, it's time for the final push. We're watching Antigua grow larger on the horizon, and the anticipation is almost unbearable.
Excitement is reaching fever pitch! Yesterday, with around 110 miles to go, we were projecting an arrival time for the morning of the 18th. But with the wind picking up and a surge of adrenaline, we decided to push harder. We aimed for 11 ten-mile shifts, and to everyone's surprise, we were actually achieving them!
Despite the seemingly calm conditions, a strong current was pushing us along, and we covered an incredible 50nm in just 14 hours – a remarkable feat for Roxy.
This morning, the thrill of seeing land for the first time in weeks was almost overwhelming. Unfortunately, the wind has died down slightly, but we're still making good progress and are now within 20nm of the harbor, with an estimated arrival time between 8pm and 10pm.
The music is playing, the last of our snacks are being devoured, and the excitement is palpable. Even Ian is buzzing with anticipation! Everyone is pushing themselves to the limit, eager to reach the finish line as quickly as possible.
It feels surreal to know that our journey is almost over. We can't wait to reunite with our loved ones, to feel the solid ground beneath our feet, and to savour that first cold beer. But there's also a tinge of sadness – this extraordinary adventure has become a part of us, and saying goodbye to this incredible journey will be bittersweet.
Last night, we took a few moments to savour the beauty of our surroundings, enjoying one final 360-degree sunset.
Now, it's time to focus on the final push. We're watching Antigua grow larger on the horizon, and the anticipation is almost unbearable.
I'll write a full update on our arrival soon.
The excitement is palpable! With just 111nm to go, the finish line in Antigua feels closer than ever. We're expecting to hit the 100nm mark later today, and the anticipation is building. Arrival is now looking likely for the early hours of the 18th, though the unpredictable Atlantic Ocean has a way of throwing curveballs.
Naturally, with 10 strong personalities on board, there are a variety of opinions on how to approach these final miles. Do we push for a quick finish, or enjoy the final hours and arrive in daylight? Should we meticulously clean the boat now or tackle it in a post-arrival frenzy? These are the weighty matters currently dominating our conversations.
Despite these minor disagreements, the overall mood remains incredibly positive. While there have been moments of frustration and fatigue, the camaraderie within the crew has remained strong. We've learned to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise when 10 people share such close quarters for such an extended period.
We were treated to a spectacular sight overnight – a cruise ship gliding past, a beacon of civilization in the vast expanse of the ocean. It was a reminder of the world beyond Roxy and a welcome break from the monotony of the open sea.
This morning, we received some incredible news: the successful launch of the New Glenn rocket! Brian, one of our crew members, has been instrumental in this project, and we were all thrilled to share his excitement.
And now, for those of you contemplating your own Atlantic Rowing adventure, a word of warning (and perhaps a touch of humour):
This is no ordinary challenge. It demands:
Want to test your mettle? Try this at-home simulation:
If you survive this, you might just have what it takes to row an ocean!
Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog, where we'll share the final four crew reflections as we count down to our arrival in Antigua.
Day 46 - The final stretch is upon us! Today has been a day of mixed emotions – excitement tinged with a touch of exhaustion. As we approach the finish line, the weight of the past few weeks seems to be settling in.
Everyone has experienced moments of fatigue, both physically and mentally. It's as if we've been running a marathon, but each mile feels like an eternity. The finish line is in sight, but the miles are dragging on.
However, there have been some positive developments! The wind direction has finally shifted to the northeast, which will hopefully propel us forward. We've also managed to get slightly north of our next waypoint, Green Island, keeping us on track for our approach to Falmouth Harbour.
Dave has been a true inspiration, continuing to row despite the challenges posed by his salt sores. We're all incredibly proud of his determination.
A highlight of the day was a visit from a beautiful catamaran, also bound for Antigua. It was a welcome reminder of the world beyond Roxy and a brief but exhilarating encounter with another human presence.
We've now passed the 200-mile mark, and the finish line is tantalizingly close. We're all dreaming of cold beers, hot showers, and the warm embrace of our loved ones.
As we near the finish line, it's time to reflect on the profound impact this journey has had on each of us.
Martin eloquently captures the essence of this experience: "A magical experience… Where companionship, camaraderie and service to others are the order of the day." He emphasizes the importance of patience, tolerance, and respect within the confined space of Roxy. Martin reminds us that this journey has been a profound test of physical and mental endurance, but also a source of incredible joy and personal growth.
Johnny acknowledges the transformative power of this shared experience, stating, "I am forever changed." He highlights the importance of learning from his fellow crew members and the profound impact of living within the constraints of the ocean environment.
Dave reflects on his motivations for undertaking this challenge. Raising awareness for Chestnut Tree House, a children's hospice, has provided him with unwavering purpose throughout the journey. He acknowledges the physical and mental demands but emphasises that his discomfort pales in comparison to the challenges faced by the children and families supported by the hospice.
Brian, with his background in engineering, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of this expedition. He acknowledges the inherent difficulties of living in such close quarters with ten other people, while also emphasising the incredible bonds formed within the crew. He reflects on the invaluable time for introspection, the beauty of the ocean, and the unwavering support of his loved ones.
These reflections provide a glimpse into the profound impact this journey has had on each of us. It's a testament to the human spirit, the power of teamwork, and the enduring magic of the ocean.
Day 45 on Roxy has brought a mixed bag of conditions. We enjoyed some fantastic overnight speeds, but unfortunately, a band of rain slowed us down again. Still, we crossed the 250nm mark, with a tentative arrival date set for the 17th or 18th, depending on the weather.
The ever-changing winds mirror the crew's moods, with everyone eagerly anticipating that first post-row rum in Antigua (hopefully before the 17th's bar closing time!). We're aiming to reach the 200nm mark by midnight tonight.
Today's blog features insightful reflections from three of our amazing crew members: Ian, Jim, and Kitty.
Ian shares his profound takeaways from this experience, emphasising the importance of teamwork, positive communication, and living life to the fullest. He offers valuable life lessons learned from sharing close quarters with nine others for weeks on end.
Jim, a self-proclaimed "ocean-loving adventurer," reflects on his love for pushing boundaries, the importance of crew dynamics, and the deep appreciation for family that this journey has fostered. He also humorously highlights the unexpected perk of not getting seasick!
Kitty, who has dreamt of rowing the Atlantic for a long time, shares her perspective on the immense scale and emotional rollercoaster of this adventure. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity and the profound impact it has had on her priorities and outlook on life.
These reflections offer a glimpse into the personal transformations each crew member is experiencing. Their stories showcase the power of the ocean to challenge, inspire, and create lasting memories.
Stay tuned for the final four crew reflections in tomorrow's blog!
The wind picked up overnight, propelling us forward at a much-improved pace. We even managed a couple of 10nm shifts, a welcome change from the recent headwinds. This morning, we officially crossed the 300nm to-go mark – a significant milestone!
While the new shift system aimed to provide some respite for everyone, the demands of these faster conditions have thrown our plans slightly off course. Dave, who has been battling salt sores for weeks, is now facing limitations in his rowing due to a lack of fresh dressings.
This morning, we were all captivated by the countdown to the launch of the New Glenn rocket, a project that Brian has been deeply involved in. Unfortunately, the launch was delayed, but it's given us all a much-needed boost of excitement and a reminder of human ingenuity beyond the confines of our little boat.
As we approach the 90% mark of our journey, the crew has started to reflect on this extraordinary experience. Louise, Neil, and Damian have shared their initial thoughts below:
Louise: "The aft cabin on Roxy is a surprisingly happy place. Cramped, damp, and uncomfortable as it may be, it's become a space of shared experiences and camaraderie. Thank you, Nicola and Charlie, for this incredible adventure."
Neil: "Roxy has faced challenges, from equipment failures to my own injury, but we've overcome them all. The crew has worked tirelessly, and the camaraderie on board has been incredible. This is a testament to the human spirit – we've found a way to thrive in this challenging environment."
Damian: "This journey has been a constant reminder of the incredible strength and resilience of the human spirit. My thoughts often turn to the children at Claire House, and I find inspiration in their courage. I'm honoured to be raising funds for such an important cause."
These reflections offer a glimpse into the profound impact this journey is having on each of us.
Stay tuned for more reflections from our amazing crew as we continue our journey towards Antigua.
Day 42 dawned with a sense of optimism after a night of impressive progress, averaging over 8nm per shift. We even spotted three ships today - a cruise liner, a container ship, and a bulk carrier. The closest encounter, with the bulk carrier passing within a nautical mile, gave us a thrilling reminder that we were nearing land.
Unfortunately, the sunshine brought with it a return to lighter winds and choppy seas, slowing our momentum. We crossed the 400nm to-go mark yesterday evening, and while an 8nm/shift average had us eyeing an arrival on the 17th, today's conditions have pushed that timeline back to the 18th. This unpredictable nature of the ocean is a constant reminder that we are at the mercy of the elements.
But today wasn't all about slow progress. We celebrated Louise's birthday with a midnight rendition of "Happy Birthday," a delicious "birthday cake" (courtesy of Dave's culinary genius – a combination of rice and chocolate puddings with a Babybel cheese candle!), and a feast on her favourite snacks. It was a much-needed morale boost and a reminder of the importance of celebrating the small victories.
Today's technical deep-dive focused on the water maker, an essential piece of equipment that desalinates seawater to provide us with drinking water. This marvel of engineering works by forcing seawater through a series of filters and membranes, producing fresh water while discharging the salty waste.
As we approach the final stretch, we're all reflecting on the incredible journey we've embarked upon. The next two days will feature reflections from our fellow crew members as we prepare for the final push towards Antigua.
Today has been a bit of a slog. We've been battling light winds and choppy seas, making every stroke feel like an uphill battle. It's frustrating when you're so close to the finish line and the miles seem to creep by.
But we're not letting it get us down! We know this is just a temporary setback. The forecast predicts a shift in the wind direction soon, which should give us a much-needed boost.
In the meantime, we're enjoying the small victories: a stunning sunset last night, the return of our feathered friend "Pingu" (the friendly hooded booby), and the camaraderie that always keeps our spirits high.
Today's technical deep dive is all about the incredible technology that keeps us powered up: our solar panels and the EFOY system. These systems are the lifeblood of our journey, powering everything from our navigation equipment to our communication devices.
