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Archive for April, 2009

Day - 11 And then there were two….. pairs!

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

Sadly for them -boat - 1 Doing Time have had to retire from the race today due to some technical difficulties, the boys are pleased they are safe and sound.So this leaves Southern Cross and Flying Ferkins ‘pulling it out’ for the pairs world record….Flying Ferkins have got them in their sights! Both James Thysse & James Facer-Childs became firm friends with Andrew & Guy prior to race day so competition aside we just hope they all stay safe.

Mood on board Ferkins remains excellent. Boat really moving in the right direction. Weather is rough presently but still looking good for the weekend. Boys in 5000m of water!

Flying Ferkins pre race (ready for the off!):

Flying Ferkins Moored

Boys living conditions:

Cabin

Great to see the comments approaching 20 yesterday!  The support is fantastic  - ‘thank you’ everyone.

Click here to donate money for the fight against the spread of male cancers and support Orchid, the boys chosen charity.

Tom out

Day - 10 Current trap continues

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Mood still good on board Flying Ferkins.  Andrew & Guy are working really hard to be released from this entrapping current. Heavy weather again for a couple of days will lead onto a lighter weekend.  Approaching the 200nm mark!

Your comments continue to give them so much support.

Click here to donate money for the fight against the spread of male cancers and support Orchid, the boys chosen charity.

Tom out

Day 9 - Deeper water

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Been a difficult day but a good day on the oars. However, mood is upbeat onboard. The weather and swell continue to hamper performance. Mother nature taking it’s toll. Aim is to push away from the shallow water. Present depth 2000-3000M. Decision to move in a NW direction. Expecting a tough couple of days ahead. Weather however looking to improve towards the weekend. More shark spotting going on, although not worrying the boys. Boys working closely with the support team. I’m sure you will all join me in thanking them. Please keep your comments coming. Means the world to the boys in these times.

Click here to donate money for the fight against the spread of male cancers and support Orchid, the boys chosen charity.

Tom out

Day 8 - Tough week ahead

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Tough week ahead as progress will be slower than of recent times. Working hard to manage their frustrations and claw their way along. Spirits onboard good. Possible spotting of shark. Presently caught in a localised current.

Thank you for all your comments. Keep them coming.

Click here to donate money for the fight against the spread of male cancers and support Orchid, the boys chosen charity.

Tom Out

Day 7 - One week on the Indian Ocean

Sunday, April 26th, 2009

A very good day on the oars ! Night rowing paying off. Hard work but has it’s dividends. Water deeper now at 1,500M. Plan is to continue on the same course. Boys finding the cabin environment a little uncomfortable. Not designed for two tall blokes!

Keep those comments coming.

Click here to donate money for the fight against the spread of male cancers and support Orchid, the boys chosen charity. 

Tom out

Day 6 - Keep the miles coming boys!

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

The boys continue to row hard and decided to get on the oars through out the night!  Real progress in terms of mileage. Support crew getting the hang of the best tactics for the long race. Worth listening to Absolute radio tomorrow as small chance the boys will get a ’shout out’ on Jo Russell show (10am - 1pm). Comments as always, greatly received!

Click here to donate money for the fight against the spread of male cancers and support Orchid, the boys chosen charity.

Tom out

Day 5 - Message from the big Bear !

Friday, April 24th, 2009

Good news, the boys are rowing hard! Making strong progress.  They are now moving into deeper water which should make for a nicer swell! Wind is good for now although will be picking up towards the end of next week. Sores healing.  Boys in regular touch with the support crew. A big thank you to them!!!Bear Grylls (www.beargrylls.com) has kindly sent a text message wishing them luck.  He’s over in Vietnam at the moment so this was extra special! This message has been passed onto the boys.

Tom out

Day 4 - Big waves, massive swells

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

Message from Andy & Guy: Power anchor down for 30-35 hours. Scarey out here, big waves, massive swells, high winds as well. Swells in many sense of the words! Suffering sores. Both walking around the boat completely naked! Guy has 3 major sores on his ar*e and Andy has got a rash on his….apart from that doing well. Series of highs, we’ve heard that other crews are dropping out. Stuck in the cabin being smashed around together, hot, sweaty and pretty revolting!

Guy & Andy x

Please keep the comments coming…

Day 3- Birthday boy

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

A BIG happy birthday to Guy. He has even managed to open his cards! I’m sure you will all join me when I toast him tonight. A fairly unique place to turn 25 that’s for sure, one birthday he will never forget!It’s been a tough today holding position and sitting out the weather. Conditions are quite hostile. The boys will be spilling their rum as they ride it out for a while, until they can pick out a chance to make their desired course again.Please keep the comments coming…….

Tom out

Day 2 - Shaken but not stirred

Tuesday, April 21st, 2009

A BIG happy birthday to Guy. He has even managed to open his cards!  I’m sure you will all join me when I toast him tonight. A fairly unique place to turn 25 that’s for sure, one birthday he will never forget!  It’s been a tough today holding position and sitting out the weather. Conditions are quite hostile. The boys will be spilling their rum as they ride it out for a while, until they can pick out a chance to make their desired course again.  Please keep the comments coming…

Tom out