News from the route

News from the route

March 10
11.30 Another frustrating day, the wind is in the West, trying to blow me back to the coast. The para anchor is deployed so that I can hold position. I’ve done a lot of maintenance work on the boat.

I’ve had a shave and a shower (thrown a bucket of water over myself) and I feel very good and strong after my day’s rest. I think any day now the wind will change and I will get the big push I’ve been waiting for. I’ve had a new friend swimming round the boat it’s the biggest turtle I’ve ever seen he must be half the size of the boat. What with the dolphins and flying fish it’s quite a sight!

March 9
Another day when I seem to be going nowhere. The wind has changed 360° in the last 12 hours. It seems as if I’m never going to move forward. I tried to track South in the hope of moving forward, but the wind has changed again.

It's now blowing North-West, so I’m going to deploy the Para anchor and rest up for a few hours.

March 8
Rowed all day with no help from the wind. I think I’ve made up the miles I lost yesterday. The sun was cruel today - mid 40°C on deck. The sun block is not working and the sunburn is quite painful –and I now have blisters on my legs.

I don’t feel hungry but I’m forcing down 2 meals a day plus plenty of fluids.

March 7
Day 8. “After a good day yesterday I seem to be going backwards today. The wind is South Westerly direction and the sea very rough. I'm not worried too much as the cyclone is still ahead of me. Tonight I will deploy the Para and Drogue anchors and hope I can ride out the storm when it goes past tomorrow”.

March 6
Day 7.” Not much to report today. The wind was blowing from the East so I took advantage of the opportunity and rowed for 16 hours, my best daily mileage so far. The weatherman has just informed me that there's a cyclone ahead of me so I'm making sure that everything on the boat is secure in case it comes my way or I catch the tail end or part of it”.

March 5
Day 6. 08.30 - Simon, after waking up to a hullie: The sea was like the Irish Sea on Steroids. I had a much better day -with the help of the weather and the wind I think I've covered 28-30 miles today. I've seen no wildlife apart from flying fish. I'm going to bed down now with the Para anchor deployed.

March 4
Day 5.Simon has made 20 miles today, very hard going in rough seas.
He’s put the para1 anchor to rest for the night.
The water maker is working well and tastes great, he’s had a chance to fill all his empty containers; today he has had 3 big meals for the first time.
No sea sickness but has been sun burnt.
He said, “ I don’t think you packed enough tea Dad; maybe you can speak to the RAF and arrange a drop of tea bags before I get to Reunion Island”.

March 3
Day 4. Simon reported that he can only row between 7 & 3pm which is the hottest time of day.
He only managed 10 miles in heavy sea’s which were breaking over the boat.
He’s going to use the small drogue anchor and try to run north tomorrow, despite his sun burn he is very upbeat and positive and has no problems with the boat.