Thank you to all that voted for Charlie. The Seahorse International Sailing magazine is the bible for every discerning yachtsman around the globe and it means a great deal to Charlie. Thank you

News - For those who have tried to make an online donation through Justgiving very recently, sorry if it didn't work. My fault. It was programmed to close down on 30th April and send all funds to the charity. I have since updated it and you will now be able to successfully send your donation online agin. Thanks.

More News - Thank you to all who voted to make me "Seahorse International Sailing" sailor of the month for May. Fantastic. I never thought you could call a rower a sailor, but as Richard Power said to me "It's about what you have achieved offshore, not the type of boat you did it in". Thank you all. ( I won some freebee clothing as a result, now my son wants them! Bloody great eh?)

Talk dates - I am doing some talks over the next few months. If you are interested, there are some evenings you may wish to come along to. It will be entertaining and I'll be showing a 15 minute film and answering any questions. On Friday 11th June at 1930 at The Royal Burnham Yacht Club there will be a first come thirst served basis. The talk is free, there is a "happy hour" at the bar and a buffet curry afterwards. You must book beforehand through Clea or Pauline at info@rbyc.org.uk. The next talk will be in central London on a Monday in late June (TBA) and there is another one on Thursday 8th July at Felsted School. Again, it will be on a first come thirst served basis (drinks available). You must contact Emma at ejbeaufrere@hotmail.com.

More news - As I write, I think Sean has finished! He is the last of the flock to finish this year's Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race 2009 (10!) and the prizegiving later this month can now include all that have taken part in this epic race, not without it's historic stories of inclement weather and broken records.

I've been down on the Isle of Wight this weekend talking to various people and mixing with family and friends. It's been "busy" and I'm not sure I've felt this knackered before! Anyway, one thing for sure is I'm now starting to focus on a new challenge I've wanted to do since I was in my twenties and the research has now begun. It involves boats again, but in this case the boat will be just under a meter longer than my existing rowing boat, but alot faster (not hard!) and involves more skill than I've been used to. 

In the meantime, I have been spending my free time  teaching my  boys how to tack and gybe and running around Royal Parks!

How are things? - My work is good, my family is great and everything is just fine, couldn't be better you might say, but there is nothing wrong with dreaming and in my case, it's a bit like this. Some things in life pass like the time or friends, but some things are always there for as long as you live. I miss the being at sea. It can be nasty and frightening or peaceful and beautiful, but it is a place where I like to be, trying to understand what it will do next. Will it give me the ride of my life or smash it's weight against me until I break down? I met up with Jules Salter, navigator on Ericcson 4 (WInner of last Volvo Ocean Race) yesturday. He was telling me about one day when they did 600 miles in 24 hours in 50 knots of wind. Now that is a ride!

 

Charlie is mentioned in an article about Pete finishing:

http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=389600

An article about Charlie's arrival which includes a good number of photos.

It's been nearly two months since I finished my trans Atlantic row and life is very normal on a day to day basis. However, lots of things are going on. I am now back into training for some challenging runs ahead and the I'm planning a new water based campaign, but like most serious tasks, there is alot of research to do first.

The great news is that I visited Darren Hamilton this week. He is an awsome guy. If any readers remember, he wrote to me during my row from inside. It was amazing to meet this man face to face. (He's a hard looking type...wouldn't want to be his enemy!) I also met up with "MimiDada" who is spanish. Her short, but deeply meaningful messages got me thinking for many hours at sea. What a woman.

Whilst I write, we must give our support to the three remaining rowers still out there on the ocean. Leo, James and Sean are battling against the elements in their attempts to get onto dry land and Sean has over 500 miles to go.This man will hit the front pages when he finishes! Heros, all of them.

Back to the election debate!

If you would like to vote, please go to http://www.seahorsemagazine.com/

An Antigua based blog.

The blog of HCL Workforce

For the first time since seeing all my family together in November 2009, we are all together again. It is my daughter's 21st birthday, we are dressing up as characters from Alice in Wonderland and have already popped a few bottles of Tattinger! I am on top of the world and wouldn't  want to be anywhere else.

I want to get back in touch with Pete as I have a couple of ideas that he may be interested in. For the those that think it is time Charlie Pitcher concentrated on business...don't worry, it is the most important thing for me to focus on. The shock of being back at work has now gone and I'm meeting new people, making new friends, things happening over the horizon and all in all, I'm riding a really long wave that is being kind to me.

On the outdoors front, I'm waiting to hear from Laura Shishani. My next challenge depends on what news she has for me soon. Let's hope the sun is shining on decision day!

Back to the party.. oh! and JJ is on her way home. Hurrah