Anthony reports from La Gomera that the weather for holiday makers is fantastic, but it does not help much for him because the problems with Port clearance are still evident.  When Anthony visited the Port Authority in Tenerife last week, it was hoped that clearance would be allowed for yesterday (Tuesday).  A phone call was made today, as arranged, to the Port Authority, but, unfortunately, the person designated to deal with clearance had decided to go on holiday.  However, a different officer told Anthony, in very broken English, that the row was far to dangerous … .  Anthony has had to compose another letter and have it translated into Spanish, then forward it to the Port Authority for further consideration.  He is totally confident that he has met and exceeded all of the safety rules and considerations imposed on other boats that have been allowed to leave.  So he is hoping that all this can be ironed out quickly.  As well as the paperwork problems that he is encountering, the weather (which has been excellent for the last 10 days) is looking like it might change, as a new low pressure system is moving in over the Canary Islands.  Anthony reports that he has completed the loading of the boat’s water ballast.  This ballast comes in the form of a minimum of 150 litres of fresh sealed bottled water.  If required, the water can be used for drinking and replaced with sea water.  Apparently, Anthony had to use a trolley from the supermarket, some distance away to get the water to the boat, but I said it was all good training!  I asked Anthony how he was coping with the delays and frustrations that he is experiencing, he replied he felt totally calm and not worried in any way, shape or form and that it would all be alright in the end.  And, if any of you would believe that, you’ll believe anything!!  Well, that’s all for now, hope we have better news of clearance soon .  BW (Land based co-ordinater)

Anthony is having a few technical difficulties with the laptop and sat phone so I am posting a short update on his behalf. I am Brian, and I am acting as his land based coordinator here in snow locked Devon.
Anthony arrived at base H.Q. in La Gomera last Tuesday having flown out early in the Morning on one of the last flights to leave Gatwick before the snow closed the airport. The boat had been delivered in one piece with some minor damage to the stem of the boat. The most pressing issue has been the problems in obtaining port clearance. Without this paperwork the row cannot start. The boat registration and other paperwork had to be translated into Spanish (for a fee) and then handed in on the island of Tenerife. This involved a return Ferry trip of 36 miles and a return car trip of 80 miles. On arrival at the Port Authority office the person responsible for the clearance paperwork was on holiday!!!! Anthony is hoping that he will not have to return to Tenerife but the authority will fax the marina in La Gomera with the permission to leave. All this is very frustrating but nobody said it would be easy. The manager of the marina would not allow the boat to be put in the water until clearance was obtained (in case you escape without the correct paperwork). After some pleading and intervention from Simon from Woodvale the boat has now been launched and is in the water during the launch one compartment rapidly filled with water and was a worry for a short time until it was discovered that a drain valve had been left open allowing sea water in, a scramble for a valve handle to shut the valve averted another crisis. There are some problems with the GPS and Communications equipment but hopefully they are minor and will be sorted today. The position of the boat in the Marina is currently 28deg 05.22′ N
Friends and family that made the journey out to see Anthony off, have had to return to the UK leaving  him on his own getting used to the solitude.  Anthony is pushing as hard as possible to to get things shipshape for the row. The boat is loaded with food and water lets hope that he can move out soon.  BW.
17deg 05.93 W