Day 160 - Another Record And 2 Gales In 2 Days
October 15, 2009 – 8:30 amLast night the wind continued to build so we retreated into the cabin with a few wet meals, shut the hatch door and let the drogue do it’s work. Except for the odd wave that came from the side and swamped the boat the system worked very well.
We were back on the oars before long this morning though and have been getting ready for the second gale in 24 hours to hit us (honestly I couldn’t make it up). We’ve had a good bit of sun so most of the kit that was wet is at least nearly dry now but the cabin is still a bit soggy and certainly in patches where it’s been wet for a while it’s starting to get a bit smelly. Combine that with 2 rowers who haven’t had a propper wash in a while and chilli con carne for dinner and the odour is becoming rather ’special’.
I’ve been waiting to write about this record for a while but I had forgotten the dates, it turns out I could have written this a week ago after day 153! We hopefully have broken another record. Although this one isn’t the one we were aiming for we now think we’re the longest crossing in an ocean rowing double without stopping. There was an ocean row with John Fairfax and Sylvia Cook (and another with the Savilles) that took longer but they both stopped twice, we’re just waiting on confirmation on when they stopped but it certainly seems very likely that we now hold the record for the longest non-stop row for a double. Blimey I wonder why there aren’t more contenders for that title…
41°2′55”N 134°55′7”W
Chris & Mick travelled 19.4 miles East-North-East (heading 77.7°) on day 160
They ended 699.8 miles from San Francisco (17.3 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4365 to 4382 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.4 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 25.6 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 10 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 104.6°)
See where the boat is
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
16 Responses to “Day 160 - Another Record And 2 Gales In 2 Days”
I’m sure when you get to San Fran Mr Fairfax will buy you both a beer. Doesn’t he live nearby?
By George.Simpson on Oct 15, 2009
Just followed Biff’s advice in typing in the coordinates and thought you would like to know you are due West of a place in USA called ‘Eureka’!
Awesome record breaking - maybe Dad Martin knows if there is a record for producing ’special’ smells? I think it was on reading the words ‘chilli con carne’ that I let out a compulsive shiver…
By Horsey Claire on Oct 15, 2009
’special odour’ contact Paris Hilton on arrival in California, she must be about ready to launch her next ‘fragrance’
until then, focus on a spot of rowing… one stroke at a time, don’t want you being the record holders for a year at sea, so get a wriggle on boys.
Stay safe too..
By Dizzie Blonde on Oct 15, 2009
Great mileage yesterday folks. But don’t break too many records. You’ll end up owing Kenneth at least a thousand pounds for all the frames they’ll have to go in!
By Margaret on Oct 15, 2009
the only other place I can think of which is permanently damp with a ’special odour’ is probably Mick’s mattress here in Lagos. Although as he hasn’t had a drink for a while, so it may have dried out now.
Everytime we hear of the boat being ’swamped’ some of know that Mick feels totally at home …
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 15, 2009
Dizzie Blonde, have you met Chris and/ or Mick? I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think they are quite the sort of people Paris Hilton mixes with. That’s probably a compliment to the recorde breaking duo! Keep Ms Hilton where she should be… on posters in teenage boys rooms (and on the occasional “personal movie”).
By Biff on Oct 15, 2009
Biff
I was once a teenage boy and I take it as a gross personal insult, the intimation that I would have had that empty headed bint on my bedroom wall alongside foxy legends like Farrah Fawcett-Majors; Pans People; Suzi Quatro. You’re right though, probably an even bigger insult that our two ocean-going heroes would give her so much as the time of day.
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 15, 2009
Has Chris been upsetting people again?
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/
(15 oct)
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 15, 2009
Watca lads ,odours well thats fine us athletes are allowed to stink an you two are certainly allowed to stink the of the US out.Keep rocking be safe an love to bo.xx
By jenny b on Oct 15, 2009
TLM, I apologise from the heart of my bottom.
Your right of course, I imagine our two intrepid rowers will be perfectly the “2 Gales” that seem to have paid them a visit.
By Biff on Oct 15, 2009
Good luck!!!! I hope that the gales keep blowing in the right direction!
I will miss your daily updates when you return to shore…
By Erinn from Toronto on Oct 15, 2009
Hi Chris and Mick
Sorry I have not been on site earlier today - went to look at the house I am hoping to buy for a 2nd viewing and it took all day to get there, see it and get home! You really are amazing that you can live through all these gales and big waves, day after day - but not long till you reach SFB. Hope all is okay out there on Bo - plod on, when you can, one wave or gale at a time. Keeeeeeeep smiling, keeeeeeep rowing when you can and keeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 15, 2009
Just to keep even numbers and sending this last blog of the day!
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 16, 2009
Great progress - so impressed guys!
Chris…guess this is where not bunking ergo sessions at school like I did has really paid off!
Not long now!
By Jaime Blakeley-Glover on Oct 16, 2009
…which I believe translates as - It is interesting, and generally useful in your blog.
(With thanks to Babelfish.)
By Helen at Hamilton Lodge on Oct 16, 2009
Pah! Jaime, how did you manage to squeeze your post inbetween?
By Helen at Hamilton Lodge on Oct 16, 2009