Charlie's B(oat)LOG
21st February 2010 - Day 49 - Place Your Bets!
I have been travelling in parallel to a sailing yacht most of today and have managed to make contact with them as they are now only 1.1 miles off my port bow. Tony and Sue are the owners of the beautiful Christensen 43 "Da Capo" and remember us rowers from La Gomera. They set off before us and went to the Cape Verde Islands before coming on to Antigua. Tony was making a curry and they were opening one of their last bottles of wine having had their last chilled beer this afternoon. Anyway, we had a great chat over the VHF and I offered them a wager. Of course, coming from up North, Tony was well up for it! As they have a gearbox problem, they can only sail, so it is man power (INSUREANDGO) against wind power (DA CAPO), both headed for English Harbour. Last one in has to buy drinks all night for the winner. The race is on. We are exactly 200 miles away. I wonder how this will turn out as I still have to be careful and tkae pplenty of rest. However, this is just what I need to take my mind off the appalling weather (Tony's words).
Yesterday was definitely my worst day, but although I still have not been able to sleep properly, I feel much more positive and thanks to all the messages you have all been sending in. By the way, I did dive the boat, scrubbed it, found no mermaids and know the bottom is super smooth again. I've also had a really good sea and fresh water wash and feel in tip top shape! Shaved and all!
So here is to the next 200 miles and what ever the weather brings. Oh! must go, the five minute warning gun has just gone!! ha ha
A very quick special thanks to my lovely Fairy God mother Sarah Edgerton for your heart felt letters of encouragement and to Poul and Sophia for your daily support from Antigua. Can't wait to see you soon. x
To my beautiful Lottie and handsome Tim, you are always both in my thoughts. I will call you both when I arrive. xx
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 21st February 2010 22:49:05
That's more like it Charlie - I knew it would not be long before the fighting, determined Charlie we all know and love would be back on track!
Now all I need to worry about now is Katie and the girls in Antigua having to shower with just a bottle of water! Rowing across the Atlantic is one thing - but that, I cannot comprehend!
Thinking of you as ever
Lots of Love
Caroline
Charlie,so glad to hear you on a much more positive footing,must be the thought of Tony buying you all those drinks when you greet him in Antigua!
Not long to go now,boat clean,mermaids with you, soon be there,what an amazing feat!
Luke and Alex on Yorkshire Challenger just reached half way,you'e an insperation to them and the rest of the fleet!
Awesome!!!
God speed
Supporters of Yorkshire Challenger!
Hi Charlie
You're doing amazingly well, quite incredible that you're in the lead - we are so happy for you!
Love your blogs, you should make them into a book!
Wishing you a safe journey on the home strait. Enjoy the reunion with all the family - we will be thinking of you.
You should be arriving on Chloe's birthday.
Love from us all
Sam, Claire, Myles, Chloe & Jamie
Hi Charlie
we've been off air for a while! so glad to see you are over the low of saturday. you are soooo close to the end and we hope that the elastic pulling you towards Antigua strengthens every hour. row charlie row!
Hi Charlie,
Cannot get over how amazing this is what you are doing, your doing so well.
Angus keeps updating me as to how you are doing, the whole of Brookes know about you!
Not long to go now, keep it up.
Andy
xx
Hi Charlie.
Come on, you are there.
Just push a little more.
Remember: If you're going through hell, keep going!
For in keeping going you will get through it!
My support is still behind you, you're doing brilliantly.
I am thinking of you.
Regards
Jaco
Having heard that you have taken on a seemingly impossible task (AGAIN!), I stand in awe (AGAIN!) of your nerve, your verve, your guts, and your grit. I toast you, and pay a quiet tribute to your father, Grandpa Dick. Thank you for doing what you are doing. Angus, your nephew, my son, need never doubt that he is hewn from good timber. Congraulations, and thank you for doing what you're doing......for all of us.
Angus' American (Scottish) Grandma Sue is happy to know that a fine young man with such determination is making his family, his country, and indeed, the world, so proud. CONGRATULATIONS!
We are all willing you on to Antigua from far away in Felsted. So pleased to hear Da Capo is nearby all the way to English Harbour. You have found it possible to be positive even at the toughest of times: you can fight on 'til the finish now!!! Well done Charlie, you are amazing.
Lxx
Well done Charlie, good to see that your spirits have lifted. You have done amazingly well and we wish you all the best for the final push. Can't wait to see you in the chequers to hear all about it !
with love
Simon , Victoria, Thomas & Poppy
How exciting to have contact with someone on a sailboat who is going to go to the same harbour. Keep rowing Charlie, you might beat her. I am glad your spirits are up. I love your blog so much, reading all about what is happening around you, swimming, bathing, cleaning the hull, you are a busy bee. I feel for you when you are down, having no wind or too much, having trouble with your back etc, BUT when I read your blog this morning you are back and in tip top shape, fantastic. Well done Charlie, you deserve a medal.
Marianna and Tony
Charlie you're brilliant!!!! I can't get over how well you're doing and so quickly!!! Beat that sailing boat....and get that well deserved drink.
So proud of you keep going and keep you sprits high.
Loads of love and good luck
Pop's x
Charlie, must be lovely to have some company after being alone for so many days - however you must beat the northeners!!!!
What you are about to achieve is simply outstanding. Enjoy your last day or so of freedom from others!!!
Nearly there - keep going!
Lizzie x
Dear Charlie,
Good to hear you are back to your old self; all the tools to finish this job are at hand. Not only are we praying for you, but all the other rowers too ( who would love to be in your position right now.)
You will be here in time for the Antigua Dragon Championships; start is at 10.30 on Saturday. Still looking for crew.
Going down to English Harbour now to watch the start of the RORC 600 and fill up with fuel in anticipation of your arrival.
Keep going and going; not long now. Poul and Sophia
Hey Charlie!
You're so nearly there and now competing in another race - how many challenges do you need?!! Obviously you can't let the northerners win - free drinks all night should spur you on (although I think you might be trollied after just half a lager!!).
Looking forward to your next few blogs and will miss them once you've finished. We're all still willing you on so stay strong and positive and safe.
Lol, the Hobdays xoxoxo
My money is on you feller. Heave!
Good to see you over the dark teatime of the soul. I agree with Rob - no elastic band, just everyone pulling you in mate (top analogy Rob).
Veni, Vidi, Vici! - Wine, Videos and fancy clothes!
A,S,G,E and T.
xxxxx
Hi charlie,
We are very sorry you are having such an unpleasant time. It has been raining continuously here, for at least 6 1/2 hours, with a N.E. F3, and it is not unbearably hot - 4 1/2 deg C. If only we could swap.
We are filled with admiration for the way you have been able to cover the miles despite the conditions - we think it is incredible.
I can't pray for better weather because I don't have any time for religion. One used to be able to drum up some wind by sticking a knife in the mast - but I don't believe you have a wooden one! Fingers here are firmly crossed.
Must have been wonderful to have some company from 'Da Capo' - I suspect you're going to hve to get the boat planing to beat her.
Love from all,
Chris.
Dear Charlie
Just caught up with your latest blogs in the office this morning. Driving rain and freezing cold again, although I guess you would quite cherish some "chilly" weather for a moment or two.
The end is now in sight and how wonderful it will be to be reunited with Emma and the family. Sarah and Nic are so sorry they will miss you, they had to leave Antigua on Saturday and are in Martinique at the moment as the starter motor has blown so are awaiting parts before collecting the owner and wife in St Vincent in few days time.
Please take care and don't push yourself too hard, we pray and hope the weather gets better and you get more wind up your bottom, what strange conditions you have had.
It seems quite mind boggling that you are 187 away from finishing on this mornings update and the irish guy in Tess has 1857 to go.
We send you our love and God speed.
L
Johnnie and Yvonne (oh and our new 6 week old puppy Buster, he's a little Shit Zoo!!!!!! - and hes taking this part quite seriously at the moment!!!!)
Dear Charlie, SO SO pleased to read your blog this morning and hear your
soul is sparkling again. You are a true inspiration to us all - your spirit and
humour remind us of Shackleton in the James Laird. You are awesome!
Liz and Simon
Well done big man! Suspect you'll be seeing quite a few more yachts in the next day or so - no doubt you'll want race every last one of them! Looking forward to tomorrows live blog on "Radio 5"! Keep racing!!!!
See! Told you! The darkest hour is always just before dawn. What a wise old owl am I. Only trouble is, dawn happens every day...
So, stop your whinging and go and win it for your family, for your friends, for Burnham-on-Crouch, and, of course, for your marvellous self. Would love to interview you on Saint FM, the community radio station for Burnham and the Maldon District. Have tried to arrange it, but with no joy so far. If you can send emails, do send your telephone number to nick@skeens.com and a convenient time for us to do it, from your point of view (1100-1300 gmt on Thursdays means we can do it live, poss at other times too). xxoo
Speed bonnie boat like a bird on the wing over the seas to Antigua.Really facinated reading your blog. You are my coffee break entertainment! Lots and lots of good health to get you there. I am proud to be your Godmother.
Hi you little ripper - Charlie, keep doing what your doing, it's working better than anyone could have possibly dreamed (except you I expect). A few minutes ago the web site was saying 186nm to go, and you're going to be there very soon, with QBE next about a week after that.
Mate, you have done an awesome job, are seriously tough and well thought out, and I and thousands of others around the world will shed a tear when you cross that line! Thank you for an amazing ride.
Much love .. Kathy and Richard
Charlie,
an amazing adventure. your commitment, dedication, perseverance and training has been undoubted. We have followed your incredible race with interest. We will be around in Antigua from Wednesday, if you havent already finished (which i hope you have) they can come out on the Swan and watch the finish. Will do my sponsorship at the figure you and I agreed. (i think you will remember). You deserve it!! An inspiration to us all.
Keep it up for the final 185 miles.
Stay CALM.
Stuart and Emma.
Hey Charlie!
I've been wathcing your progress these last few days (totally amazing!) and will see my mates Jonathan and Jan tonight in Antigua, who are here now, willing you on!
You are clearly an inspiration to so many people and I now include myself!
Such a feat in its right to row accross the Atlantic, but solo and TO BE AHEAD OF THE FLEET SO FAR!! You must be a flipping Trojan!
Take care this last bit and hope to meet you sometime soon.
Very best wishes
Andy
Keep pulling Charlie, hit the island hard enough to dent it.
'It's hard to beat a person who never gives up'
- Babe Ruth -
Keep up the good work, Charlie ! We are all so proud of you ,
thinking and praying for you....
Charlie
I am sure Poul will have some good advice about your new race against the sailboat, or Sophia will! Thanks for the mention last week!
I see you have less than 150 miles and the thought occured to me as I am sure to all of your supporters we will miss running to our computeres 2 or 3 times a day to follow your progress! What you are doing is truly fantastic and so inspiring! Also it has been fun for me to see so many people from Cowes pulling for you! Its a small Meca!
Keep Going !
Your old laughing friend
Doug
This is it mate ... nearly done, just the last push to the finish ! Great to see you so strong again, that blog told a story of how damn hard this thing is that you are doing. I'm still in awe of how far ahead you have stayed doing it solo .. it's an absolutely amazing feat of strength of body and mind. I want you in our running team when you get home !
Crickey Charlie - you made that boat into a rocket ship, not a rowing boat!
Enjoy your last few days of peace and quiet, here's betting that it's going to be your last bit of tranquility for some time to come - but......... keep pulling!
Melx
How lovely to have some company again at last and what's the first thing you say to them "I'll race yer!" Ha, ha Charlie you'll beat them too!
It's good to hear you in better spirits today, I'd love to swap places with you on your little boat for a while, I could do with a bit of peace and quiet and some sunshine for a change only thing is I wouldn't do the rowing. I wouldn't eat your dehydrated food either just the goody bags filled with chocolate and treats.
Well you’ve so nearly finished the race, remember to enjoy these last few days as there will be times in the future when you will wish you were right back where you are now! Thank you for sharing your adventure with us it's been fantastic. What adventure areyou going to take us on next?
Stop reading and get some rest or get rowing!
Love
LesleyXxx
Hi Charlie,
I sent one of these a week ago - don't think you got it! I'm only just one step ahead of Mum on the computer!! You are doing really well and we are all rooting for you. It can't have been easy at times but you are nearly there now and the family are waiting in Antigua. Congratulations, Much love and a big hug, Jean xxx
Hey Charlie!
Sorry to hear you found it so tough yesterday. Sounds like you have bounced back a little from that though now.
Only Charlie could set himself a tough challenge within a tough challenge! A 200 mile race against a sailing boat huh?! Well I sure hope you win and I reckon if anyone can - you can! Hopefully that little (little - did I say little, I mean big!) challenge focuses your mind away from the bad weather. As far as I can see you are still flying. You are going to be in Antigua before you know it - you have hardly any distance to go and I am very excited for you, your family and the QBE boys - I reckon there is gonna be some party in Antigua!!
Keep at it Charlie - I know you will.
Look forward to hearing about your race with Da Capo so keep us posted on the progress of that!
Till the next time!
Roz x
A huge gold medal for you - well done on hauling yourself out of the doldrums. Chris Bonington got himself through a horrific few days trapped up a mountain by thinking of the time in relation to his whole life - just such a tiny part of the wonderful whole.
So heave on those oars and beat those sailors! Wish we were there to join in the free round!
Sabina & Graham xx
Charlie, I have never wished or prayed so hard for anything like the weather to get better..I hope that my wishing and prayers have reached you and the current and wind improves VERY soon, and you cruise into English Harbour safely, and with ease to all the awaiting smiling faces and happy cheer. Really wish we were there too.. but feel all the emotions here especially with regular contact with Livs.Can't wait for you safely back on terra firma, you are SO BRILLIANT.
loads of love Sarah x
Hello there.
Less than 150 miles to go and we are sitting on our terrace straining our eyes; are you in sight yet? Almost; fantastic progress today.
Your sisters and Emma have cornered the best yacht in town to come out and meet you; Richard Matthews" Oyster 72 Zig Zag.
Yes, Dough is right; we will have you in a sail boat sooner than you think. (he was our saviour many years ago at Hong Kong airport).
Spoken with Katie; your shore team is in excellent spirit. Not surprising; they have a lot to be proud of. No one is going anywhere, so just take your time is Katie's message.
Our message is, don't hang about too long. Dragon start is at 10.30 this Saturday.
Joking apart, you are doing a fantastic job; we, together with everyone else in Antigua, are willing you along.
Just keep going and going; we will tell you when to stop! Poul and Sophia x
Hi charlie henry here, nearly there. James and Freddie must be so excited as they wait to see you. I know it's very late and Mummy thinks I'm asleep, but I was lying awake thinking about how clever you are. Good night love Henry Dean xx
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