Leaving at 2300 BST Monday so 0600 Aussie time on Tues. Argh!
If i don't get to update the blog too much whilst i am away or the parents don't get to speak to me then you can see more info at http://indianocean8.blogspot.com/ which is going to be the crew blog.
Incredibly excited and can't wait. A big thank you to everyone who has got me here-i won't let you down. Expect me to be in Mauritius in around 40-50 days!
Helx
Monday 27 April 2009
Tuesday 21 April 2009
still in aus
Hi
I've managed to find internet for a few minutes so tohught i'd drop by to update you. Mum and Dad have been doing agrand job but put the wrong sat phone number! So unless you want to message the Kiwi boat use this one instead 881631670766. I've changed it below. More news from Aus and it's expected that we will leave in the early hours on Sat morning ie 0300 Aus time (2000 GMT). The storm coming in is pretty big and of the local fishing boats are returning to harbour before tonight. 2 crews are back so far-Mick one of the solo guys had rudder and steering issues so has come back and is hoping to sort them out in time to leave again with us. He has been disqualified from the race but is determined to complete the crossing anyway. Roger and Tom from Dream It Do It were flown back yesterday after Roger broke some ribs whilst falling on desk. They were hit by a huge wave and he was thrown onto the side. Also news this morning that the Aussie crew who were leading are being towed back due to a leak. It just shows how tough this race is. Everyone else is doing really well though and are past the Abrolhos Islands and heading away from the strong currents around Aus. Really can't wait to get started now and it's just frustrating sitting back here. Lots to do still to get the boat ready (packing the food is taking forever and no idea how it's all going to fit in!).
Hopefully the next message you'll get will be saying we've left and the adventure has begun!
I've managed to find internet for a few minutes so tohught i'd drop by to update you. Mum and Dad have been doing agrand job but put the wrong sat phone number! So unless you want to message the Kiwi boat use this one instead 881631670766. I've changed it below. More news from Aus and it's expected that we will leave in the early hours on Sat morning ie 0300 Aus time (2000 GMT). The storm coming in is pretty big and of the local fishing boats are returning to harbour before tonight. 2 crews are back so far-Mick one of the solo guys had rudder and steering issues so has come back and is hoping to sort them out in time to leave again with us. He has been disqualified from the race but is determined to complete the crossing anyway. Roger and Tom from Dream It Do It were flown back yesterday after Roger broke some ribs whilst falling on desk. They were hit by a huge wave and he was thrown onto the side. Also news this morning that the Aussie crew who were leading are being towed back due to a leak. It just shows how tough this race is. Everyone else is doing really well though and are past the Abrolhos Islands and heading away from the strong currents around Aus. Really can't wait to get started now and it's just frustrating sitting back here. Lots to do still to get the boat ready (packing the food is taking forever and no idea how it's all going to fit in!).
Hopefully the next message you'll get will be saying we've left and the adventure has begun!
IT'S NOT PLAIN SAILING
Internet connections to Australia are not good but we have spoken to Helen twice this week and she seems to be in good spirits and desperate to go.!!!!!!!!!!!!
The crew are bonding well and have made friends with the crews of the other boats and despite the rivalry they have all helped each other prepare the boats for the race.
Monday 19th April saw the start of the race with 10 boats leaving the start line with a rousing farewell. Crafts of all sizes gave them a good send off. Audeamous was given a little trip on the ocean when they rowed out to say farewell to the other boats. It proved to be a good trial as she seems to be a fast boat. Helen found this to be emotional, saying goodbye to new found friends.
Just to prove how difficult ocean rowing is less than 36 hours into the race, already 2 of the boats have had to drop out for various reasons.
On top of that, with bad weather forecast for the West of Australia, Audeamous departure has now been delayed until Friday which all the crew are find frustrating.
So, it looks like Friday 24th April at approx 11am WA time (5am BST) with hopefully good weather and a fair breeze will see Audeamus and crew start their record attempt.
In an e-mail to us Helen has asked us to say that she and the crew will be in need of inspiration before and during the voyage. Therefore, has requested friends, family and acquaintances contact her on the boat via sat phone at www.iridium.com, go to top right corner, select send a satelite message, complete the details and enter the phone no. 881631670766 - enter message and send. All this is free of charge.
Don't forget also messages can be sent to www.piraterow.com, select guestbook and also on www.indianoceanrowingrace09.com , crew messages, here you can also track all the boats, receive the latest news and view the excellent photo gallery.
We will update again when the Audeamus has left Geraldton.
The crew are bonding well and have made friends with the crews of the other boats and despite the rivalry they have all helped each other prepare the boats for the race.
Monday 19th April saw the start of the race with 10 boats leaving the start line with a rousing farewell. Crafts of all sizes gave them a good send off. Audeamous was given a little trip on the ocean when they rowed out to say farewell to the other boats. It proved to be a good trial as she seems to be a fast boat. Helen found this to be emotional, saying goodbye to new found friends.
Just to prove how difficult ocean rowing is less than 36 hours into the race, already 2 of the boats have had to drop out for various reasons.
On top of that, with bad weather forecast for the West of Australia, Audeamous departure has now been delayed until Friday which all the crew are find frustrating.
So, it looks like Friday 24th April at approx 11am WA time (5am BST) with hopefully good weather and a fair breeze will see Audeamus and crew start their record attempt.
In an e-mail to us Helen has asked us to say that she and the crew will be in need of inspiration before and during the voyage. Therefore, has requested friends, family and acquaintances contact her on the boat via sat phone at www.iridium.com, go to top right corner, select send a satelite message, complete the details and enter the phone no. 881631670766 - enter message and send. All this is free of charge.
Don't forget also messages can be sent to www.piraterow.com, select guestbook and also on www.indianoceanrowingrace09.com , crew messages, here you can also track all the boats, receive the latest news and view the excellent photo gallery.
We will update again when the Audeamus has left Geraldton.
Wednesday 15 April 2009
LIFE DOWN UNDER
Whilst Helen is away we now have the task to update her blog (this is Mum and Dad filling in) due to her not having very good internet access in Geraldton.
She flew to Perth via Dubai on Sunday 5th April from Heathrow. We are happy to say that she arrived safe and well, if tired. Helen has now been able to meet her crewmates in the flesh for the first time. She has only had contact with them before via conference calls, so now is the time before they go to get together and bond as a team.
She had a big disappointment on the first day there with Rory, who flew with her to Austrailia, had to drop out of the crew. Panic reined but Woodvales own Simon Chalk has stepped in to fill the void (Simon has already rowed the Indian Ocean in a single)
The projected start date, although not confirmed is 22nd April. The crew are keeping themselves very busy fitting the boat out, purchasing supplies for the trip and of course trialing the boat "Audeamus" on the water all in temperatures of 30C +
With time getting close did you know you can send Helen and the crew Good Luck messages and keep in touch with her on www.piraterow.com select guestbook and from here send your own message. This will be uploaded immediately and the crew will be able to view themselves (don't forget they are 6 hours ahead of us) She does need to know her friends, family and wellwishers are thinking of her and the crew.
There are some good photo's being posted on the site showing all the competitors enjoying a pre-race BBQ and Fancy Dress Party. See if you can spot Helen, all we will say is "Red Wig". There is also a few photo's of Helen in the boat having a row.
Helen is also still looking for sponsorship, so if you are able to help send us an e-mail on tayice@gtbarton.fsnet.co.uk or if you want to give direct to Scope Short Breaks go onto www.justgiving.com/indianoceanrow.com
She flew to Perth via Dubai on Sunday 5th April from Heathrow. We are happy to say that she arrived safe and well, if tired. Helen has now been able to meet her crewmates in the flesh for the first time. She has only had contact with them before via conference calls, so now is the time before they go to get together and bond as a team.
She had a big disappointment on the first day there with Rory, who flew with her to Austrailia, had to drop out of the crew. Panic reined but Woodvales own Simon Chalk has stepped in to fill the void (Simon has already rowed the Indian Ocean in a single)
The projected start date, although not confirmed is 22nd April. The crew are keeping themselves very busy fitting the boat out, purchasing supplies for the trip and of course trialing the boat "Audeamus" on the water all in temperatures of 30C +
With time getting close did you know you can send Helen and the crew Good Luck messages and keep in touch with her on www.piraterow.com select guestbook and from here send your own message. This will be uploaded immediately and the crew will be able to view themselves (don't forget they are 6 hours ahead of us) She does need to know her friends, family and wellwishers are thinking of her and the crew.
There are some good photo's being posted on the site showing all the competitors enjoying a pre-race BBQ and Fancy Dress Party. See if you can spot Helen, all we will say is "Red Wig". There is also a few photo's of Helen in the boat having a row.
Helen is also still looking for sponsorship, so if you are able to help send us an e-mail on tayice@gtbarton.fsnet.co.uk or if you want to give direct to Scope Short Breaks go onto www.justgiving.com/indianoceanrow.com
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