Charlie's B(oat)LOG
24th February 2010 - Day 52
I am writing from the comfort of my wet cabin as I ride the weather system on the sea anchor. I am 54 miles from the finish, the weather is against me now for the next 24 hours at least, so I'll get one more last rest before I pull up the sea anchor, get on the oars and give it all my worth for a few hours, drop the anchor, rest, pull it up etc until I get here. In normal conditions, I would cover 54 miles in less than a day, but somehow I don't think I'm going to see my family now for another couple of days.
Last night was the worst of my time at sea in this boat. Rowing across he waves meant almost every minute a large one would break right over me. In one instance, choosing my time carefully, I opened the hatch to get something and a breaker pushed me in together with all the water leaving the cabin swamped. This is just bad luck, not bad design. In fact I don't seem to be getting a lot of luck lately. At least I am going to be finished soon, which makes me feel what a hell of a slog the other rowers have still got ahead of them. I have a feeling this race will be remembered for the bad weather it has been plagued with, even before we got started, so this really is The toughest rowing race in the world!
I've been in touch with Simon Chalk in Antigua who has given me good advice and helped talk me through my strategy for the next day. It helps to hear sound advice from someone who has done this several times before.
I also feel so much for my family who are waiting for my arrival, but are actually having a great time without me! ha ha.
This will be my last blog until I have finished, BUT I will continue to write as I do enjoy it and I know the you will want to know what's going on over the next few weeks.
Thank you
Posted By: Charlie Pitcher, 24th February 2010 14:53:59
Over and out skipper - you've done Sean, yourself and all of your supporters proud.
Don't forget to put your kecks on before the paparazzi surround your boat in English Harbour.
R
Well done Charlie Pitcher! Team Pete send their love and congratulations! Wish we could be there to welcome you in! XX Kim v Kets
Hi Charlie,
No words can describe your achievement. Can't wait to hear of your arrival in Antigua although we know you've still got one heck of a journey ahead of you. The excitement can only keep building as everyone waits. I keep checking in and I'm amazed to find yet another blog. You're strong, be safe, keep pulling.
All the very best from Carol & Ray
many congratulations on this monumental achievement!
we have mentally joined Emma and the family scanning the horizon for you.
keep focussed - every pull on the oars brings you a bigger fraction of the way home than at any time during the race!
paul and lorna
Marvelous row Charlie ! A well deserved victory - enjoy crossing the finish line
John
Charlie, you are doing so well and it must be so frustrating for you to know you are so close but for the conditions delaying your arrival in Antigua. Keep going and it won't be long before you are on land with a glass or bottle in your hand to celebrate. We are all thinking of you. Love to all the family. x Victory is near!
Hello Charlie,
we are very sorry indeed to see the way the wind is mucking you about - you don't deserve it! It is just as well that you are so b.... strong minded and in control. We are sure that you will deal with the situation in a the most efficient way.
Jenny was 'phoned by 'Look East' this morning. From what I heard of the conversation the were absolutely ''au fait' with the facts and very enthusiastic. They were coming to see Jenny this afternoon, so by now the should have even more info.
We are all 'praying' that the wind is not delayed in coming back to the correct quarter, and for you to have better luck thereafter.
All the very best wishes and love from all,
Chris.
Go for it Charlie!
Have spoken to Jenny and her interview with BBC Look East is going to be between 6a.m. and 9 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) morning - just in case any of your readers want to see her! We are all beside ourselves with excitement (not over watching Jenny - obviously about your admirable achievement!)
Keep your chin up! Loads of love, Suexxxxxx
Not long now Charlie.........keep on hanging in there............fantastic work............love all the P-Js xxx
Hi Charlie
What a bitch, old Neptune is giving you a bad time right at the end of your epic adventure.
Your the Man, grit your teath, turn your i pod up full blast and smash up that sea.
Get lucky with the wind, be safe, not long now until you will be with your family.
No sea too rough, no wind strong enough, no oar in a trough, Charlie you are so tuff.
Guy & Sarah
Charlie - isn't this all part of the game plan; stop 50 miles out, shower, shave, etc, big sleep, clean shirt and arrival all squeaky clean bright eyed and bushy tailed!
Seriously, what a bugger but as you say, but better 50 miles than 500 with the rest of the fleet. By now Emma & the boys must be beside themselves with excitement. We're thinking of you CHARLIE along with so many others back home - keep motivated and don't despair and please keep writing.
hugs and kisses Di xxxxxxxxxx
Wow Charlie,
My heart and thoughts are with you buddy, I have pretty much watched you from the moment Andy told me about what you were doing, I have told friends about you and just generaly spoken about you at every opportunity. What you have done is beyond comprehension and I can only dream of achieving a fraction of what you have (but one day I may attempt it), you are an inspiration (get used to hearing it, if you have not already).
Charlie, thank you for listening to the nonsense that I have blogged you, I hope in some way it helped!
Good luck for the rest of the journey Charlie, I will drop you a line once you have landed.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is therefore not an act but a habit". ARISTOTLE
I am off now mate, Big Bob is making us some wings made out of fevers and wax, recons he red it in a book somware!!!!!
Darren
Charlie,
What a row! I am one of the many hundreds, if not thousands around the world who have been watching your personal battle with the ocean.
And have been amazed with your efforts.
Looks like the perfect track you have carved has a bit of a twist in the tail. But you will be there soon.
Enjoy the finish line.
Derek. A Crouch sailor.
We are all thinking of you and cannot wait to hear you are back on dry land. Keep going Charlie you are so nearly there. What an inspiration to us all you are.
See you soon. Much love and hugs xx
Hello again from Munich,
only a couple of miles from the finish. You really can be proud of how you did it all. We both wish you a soon arrival and hope that a lot of friends is giving you a big welcome.
Sandra and Christoph
Charlie, as we've said before, we are both totally in awe of your amazing achievement. You really deserve to win the Sportsman of the Year Award.
We have both been totally wrapped up in all the excitement right from the start and through reading your interesting daily blogs, we really feel that we have in some way emotionally shared your journey with you (albeit without any hard work on our part!). Hats off to you - I couldn't even row across the Serpentine without having to stop for a rest!
We're sorry that the ending is proving so difficult with the weather working against you but it must surely make your victory even sweeter. We are eagerly awaiting news of your impending arrival and shall raise a glass in your honour when we know you are over the finishing line. Not long to go now, Charlie - you are agonisingly close. I can't imagine how excited Emma and the boys must be at the moment. Enjoy every minute of the attention which will so rightly be awarded you. You so richly deserve it.
Incidentally, Simon Mayo (Radio 2 Drivetime Show) was asking people to get in touch if they would like to hear more about a particular sport which doesn't get much coverage for the sports section of his show. I'm sure he (or his sports guy) would love to interview you and it would certainly help to raise the profile for your charity.
All the best for the last stint, Charlie and don't forget to put your pants on before your arrival into port!!
Thanks for brightening an otherwise miserable, cold winter with your wonderful blogs.
Love from Paula, Paul, Lucy & Sophie Bartlett xxx
Charlie, we had to get a last message off to you while you are still on your own and before you become famous and it all goes to your head! What a fantastic performance. We hope you have a wonderful time with your family and lots of great parties out there, love from Jenny and Paul
Come on Charlie, the beers getting warm here in English Harbour. We arrived this morning and were thinking about you all last night with the strong SW'lies. What's the latest eta? Do you want us to come and give you a tow? ha ha The wind seems to have died down a lot now so hopefully you'll have a good night tonight, a drier one at any rate. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Not long now so keep going and keep strong. Best wishes, Sue & Tony
Hi Charlie
i have been following you the whole way i am glued to checking your blogs each day! You are doing amazingly, i am sure you cant wait to get your feet on solid ground and strech them out a bit. Good luck in the final part of your journey... so close now!
Love Alex Barrelet
There's some adage that goes something like 'Show me adversity and I'll show you a man' [philosophy on the back of a matchbox in the 80's] Well, you're the man Charlie! Keep patient and plug on. Methinks old Neptune's just a bit jealous about that mermaid who slipped into your rocket ship the other day!
x
Hi Charlie
Congratulations i have been following you all the way reading you blogs. Enjoy crossing the finish line you done so well from Claire (Helen niece)
Come on Charlie, dig deep for the final push......
Hi Charlie - have you got your pants on yet? It must be nearly time to change out of your Birthday Suit! Well done Charlie! See you soon! Caroline x
Dear Charlie,
I am now totally convinced you are going to make in tomorrow, because I am being positive for you.I am not sure what you have done to Guy but he has turned into a poet ,thank goodness he didn't write the true north sea version of that little diving rhyme....I have being swimming tonight at Gillie and Dave Elliots, you remember.. Cornwall Gardens...and they would like to sponsor you a further £1000.00 on top of their original sponsorship, which is really generous as they are so impressed by your challenge and courage. I will sort that out. So please Charlie ROW straight in, like magic ,Keep safe, with all our love The C-T's X
Any ninute now your going to be crossing that finish line, you are No. 1.
Go Charlie Go!
LesleyXX
Hi Charlie,
hang on in there...oh so close now.Think strong.
You should know that the number of East Coast Long Tailed Arse Warblers in English Harbour grows by the day and they are all waiting to see you in !! Ha,Ha
Enjoy the last moments however hard they are. Soon it will only be memories.
In awe as always
GB
Charlie,
Sorry you've got to grind it out rather than sleigh ride into town. From the spectator seats there's nothing but admiration for every mile of your achievement, it's been an amazing few weeks. Every time I checked the site I had an opportunity to remember Sean and I can't thank you enough for that too.
Keep pulling!
Very best
Paul
Charlie, last big push (or should that be pull)! Exceptional courage, stamina and detemination - huge congratulations to you and your team! We're off for a few beers in the Chequers tomorrow night to celebrate and decide what you're going to do next.
Permission to come ashore, Sir? Granted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Charlie,
Sorry the weather is causing you such grief at the moment. After a good breeze during the day, the winds are very light right now in Nonsuch Bay. Forecast is still for the wind to swing North and going East for tomorrow morning Thursday; but who knows if these forecasts are correct.
Shoreparty is in good form and yes, having a nice time. All in anticipation of seeing you tomorrow though; not much else but Charlie's progress is everyone's mind.
Looking very much forward to seeing you on the water tomorrow. In the mean time, take care. Poul and Sophia x
Charlie
So dam close, yet so far! You have done a stellar job. Almost there mate! Just try and enjoy the last bit!!
Doug
Nearly there!! Keep going! Everyone is thinking of you.
Sophie
Hi Charlie,
I feel totally drained, emotional and really frustrated and annoyed - you certainly manage to impart the feeling of whats happening in your epic race. Gees it's been tough - but we all know just how tough, determined and ruthless with yourself you are. You WILL cross that line, and you WILL be first of all the classes!!
You have done so much for so many people - now just do this for you!!
Keep chipping away - the wall will crumble.
Much love big man.
Richard & Kathy
Good morning from Jacki and myself.
We had to get up and find out how you were getting on, and were astonished (and overjoyed) to see how much progress you've managed to make. I personally didn't believe you could possibly have made so much progress in the conditions.
Keep it up Charlie, you're a hero.
All our thoughts are with you. Love from us both.
Chris.
Just looking at the people that have written to you in the last few days.. you have so many supporters. All of them checking up on your progress and looking forward to you having a cocktail on the beach the Emma and the Boys.
I can only think that the only reason you have not finished yet is that you are waiting for Mum and Katie to leave Antigua, then you are safe for propper relaxation! (weather is only an excuse)
Jack T, Amy, Tim and I are booking dates in our busy university lives for a RBYC piss up with you. We can have a right dance in the snake pit.
Even writing this is making me emotional (dont tell anyone though). I cannot explain how excited I am to have you have in Felsted. Many people have a standard family and are very happy with that, but I am so proud to be able to say that my uncle has rowed the Atlantic, you have brought another dimention into the Pitcher family, and I hope that us young ones can do something as amazing as you have.
As you read this you will be on the beach or in your resort. But if you are getting agitated I have looked at the surf report and it looks like there could be some good windsurfing. So if the swimming pool is overcrowed then head on over to "Bolands" and get the boys on a windsurfer, and Emma if you lucky!
England are playing Ireland on Saturday, so inbetween all your partying and relaxing I recomend you watch that. It should be a good match.
Speak soon pal
Goose
x
The gods of winds and waves are fickle and ornery, but they are telling you to marshall your strength for what I hope is an awesome victory party!
Charlie,
As many others have said, Shaun would be so proud and even now I bet here's up there cheering you on for those last few miles.
Congratulations on what will be an exceptional acheivement. I am sure you are emensely proud of yourself and so you should be.
Enjoy your time in English Harbour with your family and enjoy Shirley Heights!!!
Take care mate and hope to speak to you in person over the coming months (Skype name is "yachtjasp".
Cheers
Mr.P
Keep on going Charlie we think you will get there tonight because it is only 36 miles to go.Enjoy the time in Antegwa and hope James likes it to. We are sure you will because it is nice and hot there.
Love
Jessica
What a bummer that Old Neptune is against you. Anyway you will have the last laugh, you are so close to those wonderful family hugs. A totally amazing feat as said before and everyone is so proud of you. Sean is looking down on you mate. Keep pulling, not much further and let's pray that the weather improves quickly.
God speed and well done again and again. xx
hope the winds are getting OK now
well done. make sure you land in time to watch the rugby from fri night.
the essex chronicle on line here says you have won already!!!
Chris
Just b***** fantastic to see your progress. Keep rowing buddy the Mountgay and your family are waiting. We are all waiting anxiously for your arrival (hubby in LA keeps calling to check your progress!). As Shaun would have said "it's been emotional" or was that Arthur Daley? So pleased to hear you will keep up with your blog - it's so addictive and interfereing with my work day....
DIG DEEP YOU ARE AWESOME.
Big hugs & love Fogs & McLeod-Jones clan
Ps Look forward to seeing your Mum on the tv x
Hey Charlie,
I have been following your progress closely during the race and enjoyed reading your blog...outstanding mate, truly amazing!!!
Wishing you all the best for the last few miles!
Kris
Ah - you know all the tricks by now. The sea won't be giving you up that easily! Me and the other half sailed two handed to the Azores a few years back. First we had no wind... then we had loads... then we had a leak! .... then we had a cup of tea ... then a rum punch ... then we fixed the leak.... and when we were finally in sight of the Azores, we got headed and so we had to tack for the last 24 hours in some horrible seas. It felt like the voyage would never end. But it did, and it will for you too. We opened a tin of Adams when finally in sight of Faial and a sense of peace and accomplishment and euphoria and pride descended - as it always does when you have done something very difficult and dug deep within yourself. This is why we do these things!!! Enjoy the arrival ... it really is imminent now ... and you have earned it and then some!! Bravo Charlie. Wish I was there on the old boat to welcome you. J
Good morning Charlie,
Weather update for you. In Nonsuch Bay direction is NNW and wind is building. Forecast is for it go East later today.
Not long now until you have to report in at 20 miles; this will be the signal for the shore party to get going.
Think of it; your last day on the water. Poul and Sophia x
Come on Charlie!!!!!! Final push until the end! You can do it! We're all cheering for you here at Addenbrooke's!!!!
Have got mum here for a coffee - She is very frustrated because she has sent you two messages - one at 11 pm last night and the other at 7.30 a.m., both of which she thinks she has deleted in error!!! So...... she just wants to say Welcome in soon and BE PATIENT!!! We cannot believe the wind has been so rotten to you - bur you are so, so near now. In fact I bet you can see land already! (Or maybe the girls on their posh yacht coming out to greet you!)
Loads of love from Mum and Suexxxxxxxxx P.S. Jenny waiting for THE message from the girls to say you have arrived!!
Never a doubt,mate!
Well done Charlie,you're a star!
Tom Crean was with you all the way.
Tony.
The sun has risen on this amazing day and shining on you. Antigua is maybe in
your sight - what a feeling. We are so so happy and incredibly proud of you.
What a bedtime story the boys will get tonight! Our hats are off to you dear
Charlie,
Liz and Simon
Charlie,
I hear on the grapevine that you have finished and are rowing ashore with the children. Congartulations on a magnificent achievement from us and the whole of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club.
Enjoy the party and a well deserved rest.
Love to you and all the family.
Stuart, Sally, Tim and Ali.
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