Charlie's B(oat)LOG
22nd February 2010 - Day 50
I had an excellent start last night at 1900 to leeward of Da Capo, although there was no wind! By 0800 the following morning I had a lead of about five miles, but in came enough wind for Tony to fly his spinnaker and they passed me at 1130 doing 5.5 knots. As they passed, we had another chat and I look forward to seeing them in a couple of days on dry land. I bet they had more than two hours sleep during the night!
So I am alone again and there are many more birds around. A sign of nearby land. I watched a Tropical Frigate bird circle and soar, then dive and catch his breakfast. That's it on the bird front until I get to Antigua!
I am rowing across waves again in a light SE - S - SW breeze. Difficult, but at least I am moving forwards. It is an uncomfortable angle on the bottom and the sliding seat wheels don't like it either. I've spent the last hour servicing the bearings again and that is it as I've run out of bits etc. There is a squeak from one wheel, but I'll have to live with it.
With only 150 miles to go, I am still focused on what I'm doing and will not let my hair down until the actual day that I know I am going to finish. In the meantime, I am adjusting my course to get the right approach for the final 50 miles. I intend to come in from the SSE with the wind behind me, but I am fighting hard to get into that "landing" position. I've been trying to get southing in my course for the last several weeks, so my advice to my fellow rowers would be to do the same earlier, not too late.
I am listening to Dire Straits as I know Tim is listening to them as well. My body is just about done with this and I could play a tune on all my tendons - how about Sailing by Rod Stewart? Honestly, I don't think I could have trained harder for this and that wasn't enough.
As the sun gets lower and the temperature drops to a reasonable level, I will get back on the oars. I have been strictly sticking to my 2 on / 1 off routine until my body says enough and I have one longer break of 2 - 3 hours. It works, but not for long!
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 22nd February 2010 22:19:59
Ok we've relocated to your landing spot literally! But good news is we have water and we can now flush the loo!!!
Everyone here knows all about you here in Antigua and waiting for the moment. We have been sunning it on the beach today looking in your direction, thinking of you masses.
There is a good local breeze here which will hopefully help you in your final approach to English Harbour.
We have been climbing over walls and ducking security guards to get reach Emma and boys in the exclusive St James's club...they are on top form and being entertained by puffer fish, barracuda, an Octopus called 'Olly' and a crab called Cheddar, named by Freddie of course!
Hope that yacht is still in sight and great that you have had some company.
It really isn't far now, one massive last push...get through that pain barrier, dream of all those lovely, beautiful English mermaids waiting for you!!!
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU CHARLIE...xxxxxxxxx
Hi Charlie - its Tim's brother-in-law here... I ve been tracking you since you started....reading your daily reports.. Keep going, you are almost there.. Rule Britania, Britania Rules the waves!!
nearly there! i'm so excited! wish i was there to meet you! willing you on! xxx
Hi Charlie, I know whats really been keeping you going; the thought of another burnham rugby tour, croatia was so much fun!!! remember the water running race! your so close now KEEP GOING!!!!!! DIG DEEP xx
Charlie,
What an amazing race you've rowed so far. You're an inspiration to us all. For many reasons i wish i could be there to buy you a drink at the finish. Keep going mate, not long before that first Mountgay!
Well done mate. Willie
Hi Charlie, well done mate, what an awsome race you have had. A deserved winner in many ways. Hope you enjoy your entrance to English harbour when you get there. I remember watching Petes DVD and I still get goose flesh thinking about it. go well. Evan Ridge
keep going Charlie. You are going to be awash with champers soon. Pity there is no Greene King IPA tp help rehydrate you. Still snowing and very cold here
Chris
Hey Charlie,
My husband Alex just heard you on Radio 4. Sounds like you are doing amazingly well! Have been reading your blog all the way. Not long now...you are almost there...shall I book you in with Dino!!! Can't wait to see you and hear all about your adventures.
Wishing you all the best from everyone here at Physio at Work.
Bronwyn xx
yep, the world has heard your interview on radio 4. very good. you interrupted my puny pressups
chris
G'day Charlie,
Just got back from New Zealand for the 2nd time!! Spent the last 15 mins just reading your blogs and catching up with progress, not far to go now, you've done so well. Good on you mate.
Look forward to dry land and a few beers! Not long now and I Can't wait to shake your blistered hand!!
Well done again from J and I
Dino
So busy reading your blog that I missed your radio interview! ITS SO EXCITING THAT YOU ARE ALMOST THERE NOW and I so want to be with you. The BIG MOMENT is approaching, hang in , brush up, keep calm and cherish your last day or two alone at sea. It won't happen again. Thinking of you Babe. Love, Mum. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Hi Charlie
a few people from St Nicks school listened to the Radio broadcast... so lots of interest here as well. We are all cheering and willing you on to Antigua. What a fantastic achievement! Enjoy the limelight and hope you raise lots of money for a very worthy cause. Looking forward to hearing that you've arrived.. not long now.
stay safe
Lorna & Paul
Hi Charlie,
Even though we haven't written in a while, we have been tracking you and reading your blog every day. I can't believe you've been rowing since we came back to work after Christmas! If only we'd been as productive ...
Mum and Dad always ask after you, and were really touched by your message. Also saw Robin and Lucy at the weekend and we were all speculating as to what your next challenge will be ...
Wishing you all the best for the final stretch. Enjoy Antigua.
Andrea & Phil
Hi Charlie,
You are so close now!! Absolutely amazing! Just think about all the relaxing, champagne and beautiful people you will see in a couple of days! I think what you have done is incredible and I am very much looking forward to your book!! I'm just about to listen to you on BBC 4! Keep going!! Looking forward to seeing you back in Essex.
Love Sophie
Spinnaker! I thought they were rowing too. You can still do it mate. Dig in. Heave! catch them up!
All the best big boy,
GEESA x
Hi Charlie - I just listened to your interview on Radio 4 this morning. Brilliant! You sound very chipper - Fancy being interviewed naked on Radio 4!
If anyone missed it - it is on iPlayer - Radio 4 / Today Programme / 2 hours 32 minutes and 30 seconds into the programme!
Thinking of you Charlie (naked!)
Love
Carolinex
128 Miles to go Charlie..... I'd be more nervous about the forthcoming hangover in these last few miles!!!!
128 Miles to go Charlie..... I'd be more nervous about the forthcoming hangover in these last few miles!!!!
I missed you on the radio AGAIN this morning! Only knew about it 'cos a friend rang and told me - she said you sounded really good. I was waiting for 6 p.m. on Radio 5 Live. Never mind. All that matters is that you are OK and So, so, so, nearly there! I bet you can almost smell the rum and pineapple and fried catfish and hear the steel drums. Lots and lots of thoughts and love, Susiexxxxxxx P.S. Give my love to the girls when you get there and please have a large Planter's Punch for me!xx
Nearly there! Well done! What a great row you have had these last 50 days.
An even greater achievement has been to get an interview on national radio. my son, Chris and his friend Mick Dawson, could only achieve local BBC Radio and TV after rowing across the North Pacific in 189 days last year!
Enjoy the last 100 miles and the welcome in Antigua.
Just heard your radio 4 interview and just can't believe how coherent you sound - after 50 days alone and you can still make sense - unbelievable!!!!
Nicki is rounding us all up to join you for Club supper on the 13 March - not that we need any persuasion at all; wild horses won't keep us away - my guess it will be standing room only. Lets hope Olly and James on QBE will join us on that night too.
Nearly in to double figures now Charlie - hope you've got a sarong nearby for any prying eyes - you wont be on your own for much longer.
big hugs Di xxxxxxxx
Hello Charlie,
Did you see the sunrise this morning? it was as if the whole ocean was on fire. Took some photos in case you were asleep at the time. Wind is filling in all the time, and hope you have the same conditions.
The perceived opinion in Antigua is that you will arrive on Thursday. Different views on the timing, so lots of bets going on.
Today we have a wager on what time (not if) your distance from Antigua will be in double figures. So we are keeping a close eye on you!
Jenny is right; enjoy the last days. Shore team needs a bit more catching up on the bronzage as well, if the truth is to be told.
All of Antigua is willing you on. Poul and Sophia x
Hi Charlie, we are all thinking of you here in Melbourne, and keeping a close eye on your daily blog, Sam, five and a half, thinks it's wonderful being able to track your progress. You are nearly there, we will all drink your health here when you reach Antigua. Enjoy this short time before you finish, and look back on your amazing achievement with pride. See you when we all get back to Burnham. Love Nikki, Richard, Elissa, Sam and Olivia (and Danny, left at home in Bradwell).
LAND IS NEAR. NOT LONG NOW CHARLIE. SO PROUD. LOVE READING YOUR BLOG. YOUR AN INSPIRATION.
UNBELIEVABLE PROUD OF YOU CHARLIE XXXXX
GO CHARLIE GO!!! Wow I have always been inpired by your efforts in the MDS by this tops it! Keep Up The Good Work!
Look after that bum on the uncomfortable seat! I missed your interview this morning but will find it on the BBC website to enjoy later. It's snowing here and I've just had a morning with the Accountant, so what a joy to get back to reality and read your blog!
Keep focused, take care and carry on doing exactly the same as you have been doing for the last 50 days as you certainly know what you're doing!
It's unbelievable what you've achieved and I have really enjoyed sharing your experiences. Life here is going to be very dull after Thursday, but that will be when your party begins. Enjoy your last days of this challenge and we all look forward to hearing what the next one will be.
xx
Dearest Charlie, Just checked the Atlantic rowing race website and you've only got 111 miles to go - wow wee, you are pegging it! You're doing so very well, keep it up, not long to go now, you're so near to finish wonderful bro-in-law! Enjoy your music while you can, before you hear the deafening sounds of the boat(s) and everyone giving you 'a heros welcome'. Thinking of you on your incredible journey (you should write a book on this as I'll be recommending it to all my book club friends). Epic!
Lots of love
P,A&Cxxx
Brilliant, Charlie! The BBC have just given me permission to use their Radio Four interview on Saint FM. It will run each half hour from 1630 to 1830 on 94.7FM (broadcast across the Maldon District). You can also hear it on www.saintfm.org.uk. You sounded jolly marvellous by the way. Top hole! Nick
Just listened to the Radio 4 interview - just AWESOME. Come on Charlie keep rowing - you will be able to smell the Mountgay v soon. You are so close - you are doing the most amazing job so keep pushing. See you in Burnham.
Big hugs & love Fogs & McLeod-Jones clan xxxxx
Agonising last few days - I am willing you on, you are doing such an amazing job. The power of your mind is incredible, to overcome the pain of objecting muscles and sore body and push on. I was wondering whether you would get a big anticlimax when all the welcome partying is over - but maybe this final struggle is part of the adaptation to the end of the journey... Just enjoy the last miles of this epic adventure - and keep those thoughts - you gotta write a book. Big hugs and loads of love, Annalisa, F, V and A
Go Charlie, you are almost there. Soon you will be with your family and friends, celebrating your arrival. We are glad we will be able to see and hear when you arrive before we go to Barbados on Saturday. Would have been great if our cruise ship stopped in Antigua to see you. Just heard your interview on I player, terrific. Enjoy the last couple of miles and have a smile on your face all the way to Antigua, because you are a winner.
Marianna and Tony
Your blogs are like an addiction!!
I even dream't about this bloody rowing race last night - i got woken up by my 2 monsters and was furious as I was mid atlantic with a beautiful sunset, however managed to get back into it when i finally got back to my bed. I'm glad the mention of you being naked on radio 4 was after the dream took place cause that i think would be too much to explain to my hubby!!!! (Was it really necessary to tell every Radio 4 listener that you were naked!!!!!)
What will i read once this is over!!
Keep on Rowing!!
Best Lizzie x
Charlie
Never a dull moment eh! Must be something in the water around Burnham...
Absolutely enthralled following your adventure - makes one feel quite insignificant. Not long to go now - hope these words may help - "Throw back the shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash, let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself... Nothing is impossible!" - not original I am afraid but they seem to fit the occasion.
All the best..
Charlie,
Enjoy the last few days of your great adventure, its all about to get a bit busy !
One final push and the distance is down into double figures, almost like a row up the Crouch to Burnham to finish !
Just a fantastic achievement, have a great week.
Nick
Charlie
Not long now! Only sorry that we are not there - Capey was nearly doing RORC 600 so would have tried to see you. Amazing achievement and incredible adventure. Keep going - that Mount Gay is waiting for you and everyone is very excited. As Shaun would say ... Always look on the bright side of life... Go, Charlie! XX Gail
well done mate last push we have been with you all the way no pain no gain
get in before the sail boat hug the family and let tye party start will check in tomorrow then tyhe bets are down to what tme you get in
bloody well done mate your a star
laove as always ken dawn rebecca Ethan & bump xxxxx
Charlie, so nearly there, what an amazing achievement, keep it up!
You have less than the North Sea Race and just a little over the Buckley Goblets to go and Antigua might just be a little more appealing than Ostend at this time of year.
We are following your progress hour by hour, missed you on the radio this morning, has any one tried to get you on Chris Evans show?That would be a sporting challenge for him to get stuck into.
We will be raising a glass to you in the next couple of days.
Edd, Pips, Josie & Kitty.
Amazing performance Charlie. Hang on in there, thousands of people are willing you on your way and waiting to hear that you have made it. This must be the most painful thing you will ever do (hopefully) but soon it will be gone and you will forget the pain. Enjoy your success, it will be yours soon.
Always watching your progress in awe,
DK
Keep going Charlie - just the final sprint to go and remember to soak up all the memories and emotions unless you ever feel like repeating this again.
It was a great surprise to hear you on Radio 4 this morning - wonderful to hear how in control and full of energy you are.
All the best and Keep on truckin'
Rachel, Isabel, Jessica & Andy
Charlie you have done so amazingly well - congratulations on your well deserved victory in rowing across the Atlantic and for raising money in memory of Shaun. I am sure the atmosphere when you arrive will be incredible and your family and friends will be so proud of you. Looking forward to seeing you in Burnham. Have great fun and enjoy Antigua with everyone. x
Charlie you have done so amazingly well - congratulations on your well deserved victory in rowing across the Atlantic and for raising money in memory of Shaun. I am sure the atmosphere when you arrive will be incredible and your family and friends will be so proud of you. Looking forward to seeing you in Burnham. Have great fun and enjoy Antigua with everyone. x
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