Update #19 (20 April 2021)

Update #19 (20 April 2021)

Nearly there! After rowing an incredible 6,000km across the Atlantic, Steve and the team are now just hours away from their final destination! Since leaving Portugal at the beginning of March, it’s been a long and arduous journey, mentally and physically draining in equal measure. But sometime between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning the team will reach land in French Guiana! If you haven’t yet managed to donate to the charities Steve is supporting, there’s still time. Thank you!

Update #15 (06 April 2021)

Update #15 (06 April 2021)

Update #15 (06 April 2021)

Don’t underestimate the importance of hull cleaning when you are rowing across the Atlantic which is why Steve found himself back in the water keeping the boat as clean as possible. Not sure jumping in the sea in the middle of the Atlantic is everyone’s cup of tea but needs must. Steve said he was both disappointed and relieved there were no big fish around. Donations to Steve’s charities have almost reached €15,000 now. Please give generously if you can!

Update #13 (28 March 2021)

Update #13 (28 March 2021)

Update #13 (28 March 2021)

Despite three days of strong winds and 10-foot waves, the cross-Atlantic team have reached the half-way point in their epic journey. Although exhausted from rowing against the weather, Steve is understandably elated at reaching such an important milestone. There has been little to see other than open water recently, although the rowers did encounter a Dutch schooner which was a welcome sign of life. 28 days in, hopefully a bit less to go…

Update #12 (24 March 2021)

Update #12 (24 March 2021)

Update #12 (24 March 2021)

As the cross-Atlantic challenge enters its fourth week, the crew found time for some Spring cleaning, jumping into the sea to scrub the boat’s hull. While in the water Steve even managed to shampoo his hair for the first time in over three weeks. The going is still slow and Steve sometimes struggles mentally knowing there is so far left to go. The wildlife keeps them on their toes with a Portuguese Man of War managing to get into the boat recently. Not the most welcome visitor!

Update #11 (19 March 2021)

Update #11 (19 March 2021)

Update #11 (19 March 2021)

Having passed the thousand-mile mark, the cross-Atlantic team will soon be a third of the way into their epic voyage. Luckily, they are now settling into a routine. After each 10-12 hour shift, Steve is eating and catching up on personal hygiene. At night, when the sea isn’t too rough, audio books keep him going. Whales, turtles, birds and even a pod of dolphins have been keeping them company. Despite backache from the rowing and some tough nights, Steve is looking forward to what lies ahead.

Update #10 (14 March 2021)

His finger is healing but still hurts while, according to reports, his socks are getting smellier…

Update #10 (14 March 2021)

Update #10 (14 March 2021)

After spending hours on sea anchor with the boat being tossed around like a child’s toy in a bathtub, the weather finally improved and the cross Atlantic challenge has gathered momentum in the past few days. Steve said spirits are high as they arrive at the Canary Islands and the rowers have even managed to call their loved ones now they are nearer land. Steve has encountered dolphins, turtles and his first ever shooting star on the latest leg of the adventure.

Update #9 (09 March 2021)

Update #9 (09 March 2021)

Update #9 (09 March 2021)

Nine days into the journey and high winds and big waves are making progress hard with a lot of time spent on anchor. The finger Steve cut a few days ago became infected and he is treating it with supplies on board. In more unfortunate news, the red “toilet” bucket broke so now they are having to use the black “shower” bucket to poo in. Don’t think any of the crew will be washing any time soon…

Update #8 (07 March 2021)

Update #8 (07 March 2021)

Seven days into the voyage they are still having to deal with rough seas which have seen waves crashing over the side of the boat at times. One of the bigger ones threw Steve off his seat and he ended up cutting a finger which hasn’t helped with the rowing! Sleep is proving hard to come by for Steve who still isn’t managing to eat much. But despite the challenging conditions, the team made good headway on Friday and Saturday and are already a brilliant 500km into the voyage!

Update #7 (05 March 2021)

Update #7 (05 March 2021)

The weather hasn’t been overly kind to the cross-Atlantic rowing team in the early stages of their epic journey. They have been battling two-metre swells at times and had to spend Thursday night on sea anchor, slowing their progress. But they then got some favourable winds which were a great boost to morale and, despite being wet and cold a lot of the time, the team is still making good progress. South America may still be a long way off, but it’s getting closer every day!

Update #6 (04 March 2021)

Update #6 (04 March 2021)

Update #6 (04 March 2021)

After 48 hours of hard rowing, the team had already covered more than 200km on their epic cross-Atlantic challenge. Steve has been battling seasickness over the first few days and only managed to eat one meal so far, but he's keeping himself going with energy drinks and chocolate. Stay tuned for more updates and don't forget to donate to the three great charities Steve is supporting!

Update #5 (01 March 2021)

Update #5 (01 March 2021)

Update #5 (01 March 2021)

Portimao 01 March 2021 17.13 (WET) we're off. Feeling excited and a bit nervous. If all goes very well, we'll reach South America in as little as 45 days. Let's do this!

Update #4 (25 February 2021)

Update #4 (25 February 2021)

Update #4 (25 February 2021)

We've put the boat in the water and are now moored at the Tivoli Marina in Portimao. We're doing some final testing in the next hours and hope to be ready to take advantage of a break in the weather.

Update #3 (20 February 2021)

Update #3 (20 February 2021)

Update #3 (20 February 2021)

Met the team for the first time. I think it'll be a great crossing. We are getting ready to drive to Portugal. Should leave Sunday at 5am.

Update #2 (12 February 2021)

Update #2 (12 February 2021)

Update #2 (12 February 2021)

Skipper Ralph Tuijn is busy getting all the equipment ready for the crossing, including the infamous RED bucket (that's effectively our toilet). Rose, our boat, has ample storage space to be able to fit everything, including five adults.

Update #1 (9 February 2021)

Update #1 (9 February 2021)

Update #1 (9 February 2021)

All the equipment and clothes required for my Atlantic row. I'm still missing a few things, but this is more or less it. Not sure how I'm going to get everything to fit.