Charlie's B(oat)LOG
16th February 2010 - Day 44
ACT 11
A bit late, but now I think I am experiencing "The Trade winds" for the first time in this race. There is a fresh breeze (Force 5) blowing towards the west and I'm one of it's passengers. There are white horses every where, some breakers and lots of further squals on top of the regular wind speed. The waves are about the height of a small family car and I'm reaching maximum boatspeed (before surfing or planing) on almost every one. This is what we have been missing for the last month, but hopefully now the fair wind is here until I finish next week. As I have mentioned before, in this strength of wind, the autopilot does a better job of steering the boat without me on the oars! The real difference is actually a little less than 1 knot. I can just row that bit faster, but at the risk of causing myself an injury either to my legs or pulling a torso muscle. At this stage in the race, it's best to stay focused and not to do anything risky. So here I am looking out of my hatch, with a cup of tea watching the speedo shout out constant 3.5 - 4.5 knots! Bring it on!!
This gives me time to reflect on the last few days. I have just watched a video I did three days ago. It was taking me days to cross 1 degree (about 60 miles) and now I am doing the same distance in 18 hours. It had been absolute hell and the amount of times I broke down with frustration and exhaustion made me think I was turning into a watering can. But time passes and although I'm still tired, at least we are shifting along and I am feeling so much better and in control.
I managed to change my sleeping sheet yesterday, knowing it would last about a week. I brought two along and have washed them intermittently, but my washing isn't very good and I'll be glad to slip between clean sheets soon. I also have a special light weight sleeping bag, but have not used it since we started. The cabin floor is so cosy that in the earlier days, the side bolsters and my musto oilskins kept me warm enough. Since those earlier days, I have not been wearing any clothes except for my top to protect me from the sunshine. I've kept myself clean enough not to have any further problems with my bottom and gentleman's handbag! Emma will be pleased to know she will not have to play Doctors and Nurses with me when I arrive!
I have been stoking up the burners and quietly putting more energy into the last third of the race, knowing I could only do this for a limited period. Now I am fully focused on the finish, how quickly I can get there and am putting everything into this last 500 miles. I think it is safe now to start talking about ETA's, not before, but there has to be a time when this has to become my last goal. It is now. If the weather holds, there is an outside chance of doing this crossing in 50 days if my calculations are correct. I left La Gomera at 1330 UTC on 4th January. 50 days from that time brings me to 1330 UTC (0830 local time) on 23rd February. It's a possible, but a small one at that. I think a betting man would put his money a sometime on the 24th!
Thank you again to those of you who have sent messages, some directly to me on board. Forgive me if I do not write back at this stage, but I have a job in hand here and can't multi task like most other people. I got a message from my business partner a few days ago. It is initially because of Neil, that I was able to do this in the first place. Neil and his family, Norman and Debbie and all the other Murrays, Heath and Grandad are like my second family. They would do anything for anyone including helping with the RNLI and the BRFC. I have the pleasure of being part of their "family" and think they are all "Top Drawer". It is Norman's birthday tomorrow, so I'm rowing for all the Murrays tomorrow.
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 16th February 2010 23:17:11
Hi Charlie - glad to hear the weather has finally picked up for you - but don't over do it - especially as your bottom is now recovering! Have another cuppa! Can you tell me - are you planning on wearing clothes again? Or can we expect to see you walking along Burnham seafront in just your top? Sounds good to me! Thinking of you Charlie Not far now! Lots of love Caroline xx
I DONT KNOW CAROLINE, But if theres a place to do Nudity then Burnhams the place to do it only because it would probably go down there as normal behaviour! Charlie your as ever a daily inspiration. xxxxx
Hi Charlie,
There's nothing wrong with being a watering can - you are keeping us weeds going!! Keep pulling buddy, you are just such an insipration.
Our love .... Richard & Kathy
You are FLYING Charlie Pitcher! Hang in there and be safe on the home run! You are a legend! XXX Kim v k
Charlie! What you are doing is quite unbelievable! i have logged on every morning since the 4th and have been astonished with the pace that you have been setting, it's an incredible achievement, best of luck for the last few days and enjoy that first mount gay! Hope to see you windsurfing in Burnham again soon!
All the very best! Matt
Don't forget to put your shorts back on before you arrive!
I remember seeing a yacht cruising in the Caribbean a few years ago, and the crew wore only safety harnesses..... Guess what ensign she was flying? Swedish!
23rd or 24th Feb eh? Looks like I will miss you, as our race starts on 22nd and we think we'll finish back in Antigua on the afternoon of the 25th. Never mind, you'll have lots of adoring family welcoming you in, and then you can do it all again for me a couple of days later!
Enjoy these last few days with the wind up your a****. Will see you in the "Mongoose" next week.
All the best, Richard
80 miles in one day, how good that must feel to you. I'm praying that those elusive trade winds stay with you now to the finish. You've now pulled ahead of the next boat and are leading by about 350 miles, that's amazing for one man in a rowing boat !! You're a legend Charlie.
Hi Charlie,
Just moved house, so have had 5 days worth of Blogs to catch up on. I'm exhausted! 80 miles in a day mate, now that's impressive!
What an adventure you are having. Us mere mortals can live a more exciting life through your exploits, so hurry up and think of another adventure we can follow. (Sorry Emma, I'll probably get a slap for that one!).
Hope you really get a good lick on and have a great last few hundred miles. Amanda and I talk of you often and I am constantly boring our friends here in NZ with phrases like "Ah yes, my mate Charlie Pitcher, crossing the Atlantic... winning by miles etc etc etc!)
Take care mate and happy surfing!
Cheers
Mr P
Good morning Charlie
Another day and full of excitement 24th good trade winds come in to play that shoots my 1st march up in smoke I forgot your super man now i am being told that the votes are being placed for the time you arrive
Well done on the row yesterday out standing still stick to the plan land is on its way
Today when looking at the tracker I have both you and the finish flag on the same screen oh its exciting Well done you mate
Still stay safe I’m told that there is only 19.19% left to do my Kansas papa
Lots of love and best wishes as always
Ken dawn Rebecca Ethan and bump xxxxxxxx
Some old Essex jokes for you to make you smile
Q. What's the difference between an Essex girl and a fridge?
A. A fridge doesn't fart when you take your meat out.
Q. What do you call a Essex girl with half a brain?
A. Gifted!
Q. What do you call a Essex girl with 2 brain cells?
A. Pregnant
Q. Why aren't Essex girls good cattle herders?
A. Because they can't even keep two calves together!
Q. What did the Essex girl's right leg say to the left leg?
A. Nothing. They've never met
Q. Why do Essex girls wash their hair in the sink?
A. Because, that's where you're supposed to wash vegetables!
Q. Why didn't the Essex girl want a window seat on the plane?
A. She'd just blow dried her hair and she didn't want it blown around too much
Q. What's a Essex girl's favorite nursery rhyme?
A. Hump-me Dump-me
Q. Why don't Essex girls eat pickles?
A. Because they can't get their head in the jar
Q. Why don't Essex girls eat bananas?
A. They can't find the zipper
Q. What's the difference between a Walrus and an Essex Girl?
A. One is wet, has a moustache and smells of fish - the other is a walrus.
Q. What's the difference between an Essex man & an Essex girl ?
A. The Essex girl has a higher sperm count !
Q. What does an Essex girl say after having sex ?
A. What team do you guys play for !
Q. What do Essex girls use for protection during sex?
A. Bus Shelters.
Dear Charlie
Amazing, keep focused for the final miles you must be so excited for all that will happen in the next few days . Reunited with the family and looking back on what you have achieved.
Every day my colleagues and I log onto the web site with total amazment at the pace you have maintained and the ability to write humourous and heartfelt logs which we will all miss once you have finished. I rather hope you will think about writing a book !!
Safe journey and enjoy the last leg and I hope we can have a beer in felsted on your return and compare our six packs !!
All the best
Nigel
Hi Charlie.
The Cashes think that you are an amazing person. How can anybody row 80 miles in 24 hours. Your blogs are so inspiring and it feels as we are there with you experiencing this long ride. It won't be long before you get on land and see your lovely family. What a celebration!!! Keep it up Charlie, you are doing the right thing in resting when you think you need to rest. Hope you write a book about this incredible journey.
All the best,
Marianna and Tony Cash
Hi Charlie, we're all just doing some catching up on your blogs as we've had a major event here so it's been busy. We're all so impressed by how well you're doing. Everytime we look the distance grows between you and your closest competitor and we're even more in awe! Thank you so much for supporting ACT. You really are a star!
By the way, not sure about this 'gentleman's handbag' business - made us blush! :)
Morning Charlie
An unbelievable 80miles in the last 24hrs, well done, but take it easy as we want you dressed and in one piece when we see you next week. Did you know Pete VK met up with the crew of Spirit of Montanaro at couple of days ago? amazing after all those miles. James and Ollie are now 50miles ahead of the french. Enjoy the good conditions, and will pass overhead of you on Saturday your time about 12noon.
Katiexxx
Surf's up Charlie! I'm betting you make it before the 23rd!
I think you are being modest about your 'Gentleman's Handbag' after what you've achieved it's more like a Hero's Haversack.
Keep going handsome, we are all sending good vibrations your way.
Rampant respect,
Andy, Sadie, George, Esther and Ted.
COME ON CHARLIE KEEP PULLING! Not long now till you get some rum and see your family. You are truly an inspiration and none of us can stop talking about you! Shaun will be cheering you on so keep going buddy....
We look forward to seeing you naked in Burnham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big hugs
Fogs & the McLeod-Jones clan xxxxxx
Keep it going Charlie. you are doing brilliantly!
Charlie, I expect Emma will be wanting to play doctors and nurses having had you away for so long!!!!! You are doing the most amazing job, it is quite incredible. Returned from Antigua last week having seen Sarah and Nic and can assure you the rum is still as good as ever. Would recommend you go to a bar called Skull Duggery in Falmouth Harbour and drink Espresso Martines - there GREEEEAT!!!
Keep up the good work - you are so nearly there.
Love Lizzie xx
Hey Charlie, just got back from Egypt and had a whole week of your blogs to catch up on - now the conditions sound amazing and you so deserve to have a bit of a break after such a battle! Hope the good wind continues right up to the finish - your line is as straight as a die and 80 miles in a day is awesome progress. Thinking of you every day - big hugs, Annalisa
Hi Charlie
In this small world we live in, I am a work colleague of Nigel Saunders and my uncle is Andrew Widdowson. He has been telling me all the old stories as I too went to Aberlour House. I also know Olivia C-T.
As Nigel mentioned, we are hooked on checking the website every day and I just cannot get my head around what you are achieving. And doing the marathon des sables as a warm up!!
I am also pleased to hear (as a fellow sailor) the importance of trimming the boat and how much this has helped, but to take absolutely nothing away from the sheer determination need to achieve what you have!!
Hats off to you, this is an incredible challenge and you seem to be brezzing through it. The best always make it look effortless.
Next challenge Everest?
John
Hi Babe
You have got your father to a T and he will certainly be egging you along.
On the chart you left with me, you have hit the "North Equitorial Current" (0.5kn) which runs from Cape Verde islands on past Antgua and up towards Puerto Rico. Your ETA according to my forecast is the 24th and it seems you think that is possible also. Hang on in there and keep up the mileage if you can, without knocking yourself out with exhaustion.
I'm really going to miss not being there with the family for your arrival. You will be like another mermaid (no...merman) arriving from the deep, bearded, naked, your tail wagging and clutching an oar to lean on! What a vision!
Internet pack arrived today and tomorrow I get "Set up" and another lesson to follow, will have to give you my email address (something like hotpantsmum123@bt.com haha!!!)
LOVE YOU
mum xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi Charlie,
Bloody hell! Amazing progress! You got a sail up? I was talking about you to Neil this morning in the gym. Hope your not feeling too sore and every thing is ok with the boat. Your so close now, grit your teeth and give it one final push mate! Good to hear you've got some trades, they never really materialised when I went across! Keep safe Charlie and hope to catch you for a beer sometime when you get back and hear all about your adventure. All the best! A
Hi Charlie
Well done and about time you got a little helping hand (not that you need it but deserve it)!! Good luck for the rest of your race. We hope you arrive on the 23rd - it is also Izzy's 10th birthday and we'll always remember it as the day you finished rowing across the Atlantic!!
Look forward to seeing you in Burnham - for a celebratory dinner perhaps (any excuse)!!
Lol Tory, Zandy, Anoushka, isobel and Joshua xoxo
PS. When this is over Selfishly we'll miss logging on and seeing your progress and reading your blogs! The book idea mentioned above would be great - then we'd all know what to buy for Christmas!! x
Oi Charlie,
Hows it going now mate, I am so glad you have the wind on your side now, see I told ya when the man is willing and eager the gods join in. It is your will, determinashon, comitment, egerism and probably sheer bloody mindedness that has got you so far, the gods could just help out a bit more by picking you up and putting you in Antiga!!
I am praying to them now, but you may just get the extra wind, (I know I will, beans for tea)!
Oh, and due to the increase in wind assistance I have started another bet on you geting to Antiga on the 23rd of Feb, so we could get some more money for the charity.
Go Go Go Power Pitcher!!!!
Darren
So glad that things are looking up after a horrible patch. It's not the body that impresses us so much (although you in shiny gold tights really was worth seeing!) it's the head. It's frankly astonishing that you manage to keep sane at all, but to even manage to write fantastic blog entries......!
You thoroughly deserve the break the winds have brought you, we watch with wonder and awe and look forward to imagining your triumphant arrival. Just keep the concentration going a bit longer - it's climbing down the mountain after summiting that's the most dangerous.
GO CHARLIE and enjoy this last bit!
Lol,
Sabina & Graham
Hello Charlie from Fuerteventura, Canary Islands,
You've been part of my breakfast routine,along with the many,many others since you left La Gomera. I would say, sunny Fuerteventura, but we have one of those 'rare' lows passing over us at the moment. La Gomera's forecast is heavy rain, wind from the west force 5 with gusts of 56 mph. I don't think you would be going far !
I've loved every minute of your blog and will follow you triumphantly, with a big box of tissues [ for me this time ] into Antigua. Enjoy all the ocean has to offer, you're nearly there. I'm sure from the comments there will be plenty of people to massage all your aching muscles. ONWARDS....... Antigua here you come !
All the best , Carol
Wow, look how many messages you've got today, nearly as impressive as that incredible 80 miles! I wonder if you manage to read them all or if you just skip to the interesting looking ones. Well if you've skipped to this one don't bother to go back to Ken Sullivan's jokes, is he forgetting how many lovely Essex girlies are reading your blog cheering you on all the way, including your two lovely sisters!
As for the clothes, don't worry about putting any on when you come ashore, we love you just the way you are.
I had a long chat with Katie today who took great pleasure in explaining to me all the technical stuff about your boat and the race and why your so far ahead, I hadn't realised you were allowed to use an outboard motor when you got tired, she's so proud of you and can't wait to see you again
Anyway Charlie, loads of love to you, keep on rowing and be safe,
Lesley Xx
Charlie - what a wonderful adventure. Glad to hear weather is in your favour. Progress is very impressive so keep it up. I will keep this message short as you should be rowing not reading! Go charlie go go go.
Best regards
John B
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