17 January 2006 - Survival of the fittest
We are a little behind on our diary so apologies for that. The last week has been most eventful out here in the Atlantic but we are sure you are better informed of events back home as we are here. The satellite phone is terrific though – such a fantastic piece of equipment.
Our Race Colleagues and friends Gearoid and Ciaran had a very nasty hand dealt to them last weekend at a time when we understand they were doing so well in the race. We have come to know these two guys in the run-up to the race and know better than most how much work they put into the event. We know they are very disappointed, we send them our best wishes, but above all we thank God they are safe.
Before going any further, we would like to slightly turn the communication thing around somewhat. We would like to start getting some messages from our supporters especially as we near the second half of the race or as we like to think – the last lap! The instructions are quite simple.
- Log onto www.Iridium.com
- Click on ‘SEND A SATELLITE MESSAGE’
- Write your 160 character message in the box provided
- In the box ‘To’ complete the number 8816 by adding 31538892
- Send the message
It would be terrific for us to receive support messages as we know that there many following our progress and that now there are a number of schools who have taken us as a project (not necessarily as role models!) in their geography class. It would be great to hear from you. Just please understand that much as we would like, we do not have the facility to reply from here. Also, as there is no such thing as a free lunch, there are no free rides on our boat so please have as many as possible text word ROW to 57252.
You will be glad to know that we seem to be experiencing some fair weather now and our speed has picked up. We hope that it continues for as long as possible. We intend to completely refresh ourselves, the boat and above all our mental attitude to mark the upcoming half way mark. We are going to approach the remainder of the race as a new start (same crew!) which we reckon will be a mental boost.
One of our family enquired recently if we had any barnacles on the bottom of our boat. The answer is we don’t think so, we don’t care and we are not going down to see. The day after the shark scare with one of the other boats Paul had to go under the boat to check some of the water maker mechanism. We both found this a bit scary at the time, as you don’t know where these guys are swimming – so Tori has banned such activity. We are bringing our barnacles to Antigua!
You may have heard that we seem to have a ‘shadow’ companion on our boat during the nights which is interesting and quite nice (well he’s company!) only problem is much as we try he still has not got the hang of the oars. Wouldn’t it be great if he could double with us on each shift – he probably doesn’t need any sleep! We think he may be a great granddad or perhaps it’s Santa on vacation after Christmas. He obviously feels he is entitled to a free trip and if it’s Santa he deserves it!
Just hope he didn’t play for Castres some time in the past! ! !
