After leaving la Gomera in good spirits and a straightforward start, things started to get a little more difficult. As darkness fell and still well within sight of Land the wind direction changed and was coming head on to the boat. At about 2300hrs Anthony decided that to keep the boat steady and prevent drift he would deploy the parachute anchor over the side of the boat. For those of you not initiated into the boating world the parachute anchor is pretty much like it sounds. A length of line (rope) approx. 60 metres long tied off on the boat at one end connected to a 2 metre diameter canvas parachute. The last thing he wanted is to be blown back onto land. Sleep was minimal 20 minute cat naps at best. His position that night was given as 27deg55.924′N 17deg17.276′W. It sounds like the the next day was much the same as far as the weather and sea state were concerned. The next position was given as 27deg48.653′ N 017deg 25.864′W. It is almost impossible to cook any food or heat water in the conditions so the ration packs come in very handy. If any of you have ever seen the seat on Anthonys boat you will know that it is not much different to the seat on the rowing machines at your local gym. Anthony has a gel cover and the pure luxury of a sheepskin one if required. Even with that luxury!!! Anthony tells me that the motion of the boat in the water and the effort of rowing, his backside now resembles the dark side of the moon and no amount of cream relieves the pain. He is having to stand up at short intervals just for some relief. His hands are covered in blisters and every joint in his body is aching. Apart from that all in the garden is rosie. He is just about managing to send email and I spoke to him on his satellite phone this evening to give him a weather update. He has seen some ominous looking clouds in the sky but according to the website www.passageweather.com things are not looking too bad. Anthony is in good spirits and hoping for a reasonable sleep. I will try and load a picture of the sleeping arrangements . His position so far is 27deg38.487′N 017deg.40.077′W.
Just before leaving La Gomera Anthony received a visit from one of his old colleagues Terry Roscoe who served with Anthony in 42 Commando. Terry is also a major sponsor of the challenge Central Catering Services Ltd. It was good for Anthony to see a friendly face before leaving. The small Island of El Hierro is still within sight from the boat the light is fading the sea state confused another uncertain night ahead. I like to pass on words of wisdom that I am sure that he will appreciate “If in danger or in doubt always keep a sharp lookout. I think I will put on another log on the fire while a sip something hot.
BW (Land based co-ordinator)
Sleeping Accomodation
BW (Land based co-ordinator)
