Day 165 - Miles And A Tough Decision
October 20, 2009 – 1:00 pmWe’ve had another fantasic days rowing after hauling in the sea anchor in yesterday afternoon. The night shift went quite well except for a patch of adverse current but thankfully the strong wind was able to blow us through this in about 6 hours. The sun rose this morning into an almost cloudless sky and although this is unlikely to continue for another day at least we’ve been able to remind ourselves what summer feels like and dry out the cabin a bit more.
Of course tomorrow (I think) marks the vernal equinox where the sun is directly overhead at the equator at noon and there are even periods of day and night. The nights are noticably longer now than they were during the rest of the trip. Breakfast is completed by the time the sun rises fully and sinks just before dinner preparation even begins. Not too long now eh!
The other part of today’s blog comes from Captain Mick about our food.
For everyone’s information I’d like to let you all know that today Chris and I have come to a decision regarding the food situation on board.
Those of you who don’t know we are currently just under 500 nautical miles from San Francisco, making good progress, with food on board to last us until November the 3rd and with some more strenuous rationing November the 6th.
Weather dependent as ever, we could make it in for the 31st of October and certainly the beginning of November is very much within our grasp so we’re still within our available ‘food’ time limit. In fact I’ve no doubt in my mind that we could make the food on board last until whatever date we arrive in November if need be, however the fact that we could do that does not make it the responsible course of action to take.
We have been rationing food since August in anticipation of a delay into October and that prompt action has left us in the position that we probably have enough food to complete the voyage.
However it doesn’t do to arrive at your new friend’s house and have a car wreck on his drive and that’s what we are potentially gambling with if we allow safety margins to evaporate and rely on a last minute resupply off the American coast only when we absolutely need it.
It’s October now, the sea temperature is 16 degrees we’re dealing with gales on an almost daily basis. With their accompanying seas the chances of having ‘friendly’ conditions to receive an emergency last minute resupply would be slim to say the least. We would be risking injury to ourselves and others to go down that route and worst of all… We might loose the food.
So to avoid that situation developing, from today, as and when we come into close contact with passing shipping, we will request some spare provisions.
This will amount to I would suspect no more than some tinned meats, beans, bread etc. But will basically maintain our safety margin regarding food regardless of arrival date and allow us to dictate the conditions when we attempt to take these provisions on board.
I ran this ‘call’ by Chris and he immediately stopped chewing on his toe nails (quite a ‘feat’ when you’re rowing) and nodded his agreement, in fact he was relieved.
I’d pointed out to Chris earlier that in the ‘Kings Naval Articles 1664 section: R.U. 5ER10U5. As the junior rate on board he automatically becomes ‘fodder’ for the remaining crew in an emergency. Although less than enthusiastic but with no copy of ‘Kings Naval Articles’ on board to disprove my assertion, he’d agreed to be humanely ‘done in’ for the greater good. Like an unwanted puppy on boxing day I think he said. Obviously there are no motorways to leave him on out here so I’d settled on bashing him on the head with an inanimate object when he wasn’t looking. Sadly the combined effect of the drop proof torch rubber coating, my weakened condition and Chris’s big hair meant Chris received nothing more serious than a couple of early shakes for his watch.
It may be of course that we don’t see a ship for some days in suitable conditions to allow for a resupply at sea and in that case we are still in good shape as we have ample rations on board.
If however we do take on provisions it’s not the end of the world, we’ll be in good company taking on board provisions from fellow mariners en-route. Harboe and Samuelson had dinner on various vessels during their 19th century crossing as did Ridgeway and his partner when they crossed the North Atlantic in the 60’s. It will be, if and when it happens, just another part of what’s been an epic adventure for us. Most importantly we’ll be taking the correct actions to avoid an emergency situation developing later on. That mode of thinking has governed all decisions made since before we left Choshi.
40°51′53”N 132°9′29”W
Chris & Mick travelled 42.8 miles East-South-East (heading 115.4°) on day 165
They ended 558.1 miles from San Francisco (42.5 miles closer than yesterday)
They covered miles 4481 to 4524 of the trip
Their average pace so far has been 27.4 miles/day towards San Francisco
They have 20.4 days remaining at this rate, so would arrive in San Francisco on 9 Nov 2009
Their target heading for the shortest route to San Francisco is East-South-East (heading 109.0°)
See where the boat is
Sponsor Thanks
Thanks today go to Jon Higgs, who sponsored mile 4500 which the boys covered yesterday afternoon. Jon is a good friend of Chris and myself, having rowed with us at Molesey Boat Club for many years.
Would you like to sponsor a mile?
Click on Mick and Chris to see where the boat is
21 Responses to “Day 165 - Miles And A Tough Decision”
By Grace Dawson on Oct 20, 2009
Wow, quite some posting chaps. Seems like yous have everything well and truly sorted with regard to the food policy, excellent call :o)
Hopefully the supplies may even consist of more than dried packet food ;o) although any supplies will be tasty supplies! Also saves you two sitting around tickling each other with rubber torches.
Seriously impressive mileage you chaps, keep it going the Big old bridge will hove into view sooner than you think :o)
As this is my first ‘First post’ I’ll share a couple of awful jokes with the crew:
Q: What do you call a fish with no eyes?
A: A fsh.
Q: Why are pirates called pirates?
A: Because they Aaaaaaarrrrggghhh!
Hhahahahhaha ha, I thank you.
By Peperami on Oct 20, 2009
Make that my first ’second posting’, Grace beat me to it. Hopefully a few cr@p jokes will give you a small lift. Hang in there big fellas :o)
By Peperami on Oct 20, 2009
Solid decision Gents.
By George.Simpson on Oct 20, 2009
Watcha lads well definately get the beans for the wind factor ,youve gotta do watever is necessary to get your job done,be safe an love to bo.xxxxx
By jenny b on Oct 20, 2009
“Ridgeway and his partner”: the infinitely-in-his-own-mind famous Sir Chay Blythe. See 2001 Atlantic Challenge. Challenge Business, etc.
Joke: What do you call 100 lawyers chained together at the bottom of the North Pacific?
A good start.
Be safe, gentlemen. No more midnight rescues. San Francisco awaits you!
By Bill Wolbach on Oct 20, 2009
“RAS Stations RAS Stations RAS Stations.”
“RAS Special Sea Dutymen close-up. Assume NBCD state 3 condition yankee. Prepare to receive RFA Resource alongside to starboard. Heavy jackstay provisions for’ard, probe fuelling amidships, vertrep aft. Gunline party to the foc’sle, dump party report to the buffers store.
Officer of the watch, Resource is guide, RAS course is 109 degrees, guide speed 16 knots, distance 60 feet. Bring her in Mr Murdoch.”
By Typical Lightweight Matelot on Oct 20, 2009
Hi guys,
still there are you?
well i havnt posted for a bit so im not on track but i do hope that your geetting there soon!
Im in Ingleton middle school now so i have got alot of homework!!!
Keep going Rosie!
By Rosie on Oct 20, 2009
Well done, that certainly was a tough call to make, but definitely the right one. Fingers crossed that you can power home for the 31st. Totally heroic effort guys. Thinking of you always.
Max
By Max on Oct 20, 2009
Thank goodness that you are being sensible, but don’t you dare touch a hair of Chris’s Bighaired head Mick, or you’ll have me to answer to!! Lets hope you have some calm weather and a nice yacht comes by with some teabags, cream cakes, and what ever you fancy eating most, very soon. Fingers crossed for good weather and a safe journey.
By anthill on Oct 20, 2009
Guys you are a shining example of how to row an ocean. Amazing. Just be careful getting up close and personal with any tankers when you go to do a transfer.
Records schmeckords. Taking a few tins of beans does nothing to detract from your epic voyage. I know it’s naff and cheesy buy I’m so proud of you!
By Margaret on Oct 20, 2009
Keep it going boys, we are sure the rationing will be all worth it when you pass under the Golden Gate Bridge.
By Kevin and Sheila Reeson on Oct 20, 2009
Aye Aye Capt’n and Big Hair Officer! Excellent strategy for keeping up your rowing strength till you reach GGB. I had always hoped you would come to this decision before too long and am so glad you have! You must eat in order to have the strength to row those last few nautical miles. Hope you meet some friendly sea vessels containing lots spare yummy things to eat who are happy to donate. Hope you have enjoyed the sunshine and that the more stormy weather has kept away. Keeeeeep smiling, keeeeep rowing when you can and keeeeep safe.
By Sue from Cornwall on Oct 20, 2009
Hi there lads.Just do what must be done the achievement is already totally fantastic,besides I do not want you to waste drinking time having to eat when you land in S.F.Great to see the mileage back up again.ALL THE VERY BEST KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. Looking forward to a great day very soon,Joker & Callum
By the joker & callum on Oct 20, 2009
Good call. How about sticking the old sheepkin pads together, making some holes (if there aren’t any already) and dragging it through the water as a fishing net? If not, is Dr Evil’s lair close? x
By Horsey Claire on Oct 20, 2009
My stomach is rumbling in sympathy with your predicament! Good to see substantial progress in the last few days - but looks like you’ve just been hit by a southerly buster . Oh, and the equinox has been and gone - a month ago in fact.
Fight on chaps!
By Ned on Oct 20, 2009
RIMMER: May I remind you all of Space Core Directive R.U. 5ER10U5?
KRYTEN: R.U. 5ER10U5. ‘No officer with false teeth should attempt oral pleasure in zero gravity’.
By George.Simpson on Oct 20, 2009
Both of you have played a blinder all the way thus far, and continue to do so. Your judgement and decision-making has been of the highest order. This latest decision is in the same vein. We could not be more proud of you, and to say that you’ll be welcomed home is the understatement of the century!
I seem to recall one of the pillars of the ethos of the Royal Marines had something to do with ‘cheerfulness under adversity’, and I’d just like to say that both of you have epitomised this proud tradition to an extraordinary degree!
Gentlemen, stay safe in this last stretch. We have always trusted your judgement, and continue to do so. Godspeed!
By Dad Martin on Oct 20, 2009
Quote anthill “Thank goodness that you are being sensible” Anthill is it really sensible to spend 6 months at sea in a little boat?!!!
More seriously, good to read that your doing what needs to be done to complete what will be an amazing voyage.
By Biff on Oct 20, 2009
Hi guys
Fascinating read as always. The blog is great at giving me (currently strapped to my desk at work) a sense of life onboard and the tough decisions you’re having to grapple with. There’s certainly a cracking book to come from you both!
Your continued humility and determination are a source of inspiration.
Stay well and see you at Christmas time
Dave
By Dave L on Oct 21, 2009
Mick, Chris, strong decision. Theres never enough Scran to be had! Look forward to some dragon slaying in the US of A
orlando
By orlando on Oct 21, 2009