*news from the land support crew*
We, here on dry land, have been absolutely addicted to the progress of these two remarkable nurses as DreamMaker takes on the 2552 nautical miles across the Atlantic. In their first week Herdip and Elin have made consistent and steady progress. As of today they have rowed a credible 228 miles and lead the other two female pair boats!
An emotional farewell was had on Sunday Dec 2nd when family and friends waved goodbye to the girls as they set off in high spirits. Since then we have become completely addicted to the Woodvale “progress” chart which is updated every 6 hours. After a few teething problems with satellite phone connections we were able to get messages to them and hear that they were ok after the first night on the ocean.
We, here on dry land, have been absolutely addicted to the progress of these two remarkable nurses as DreamMaker takes on the 2552 nautical miles across the Atlantic. In their first week Herdip and Elin have made consistent and steady progress. As of today they have rowed a credible 228 miles and lead the other two female pair boats!
An emotional farewell was had on Sunday Dec 2nd when family and friends waved goodbye to the girls as they set off in high spirits. Since then we have become completely addicted to the Woodvale “progress” chart which is updated every 6 hours. After a few teething problems with satellite phone connections we were able to get messages to them and hear that they were ok after the first night on the ocean.
The first day tested (and proved) how truly tough both physically and mentally they are. Strong winds meant they were pushed north and the para-anchor had to be put down twice. Herdip was also battling with rather severe sea sickness (luckily nurses know the best treatment!). Despite this they were both chirpy and enjoying finally getting into the challenge after so much preparation.
Rowing at night has proved both interesting (hallucinations & hypnotic) and challenging (waves that need to be attacked head on but can’t be seen). At times they have been using the para-anchor to steady the boat in high seas and low visibility. During the day they’ve already begun to master surfing the waves!
In the middle of Wednesday night Herdip had the unenviable task of trying to wake Elin, row clear, and radio alert to a large shipping vessel heading their way! Luckily they made contact with the boat via phone to alert them they were bobbing around in the big blue.
They have not escaped the inevitable blisters and chaffing and have put in a request to Santa for new bottoms for Christmas.
Also, they are not alone out there! – having been visited by a pod of dolphins, circled by a baby shark and had a turtle bobbing along beside them.
The dehydrated meals are taking some getting used to (Elin is even reporting a poor appetite and I’m sure Herdip is missing her muesli bars).
David reported today: “While I was on the phone there was a huge whooping noise and the phone went dead for a few seconds - Herdip (in the cabin) shrieked and then started to giggle. Elin (rowing) just got drenched by a huge wave crashing over the boat”.
Each time people have spoken to the girls they have been in high spirits and determined despite their daily battles. They are eager to be able to row more effectively at night (there have been strong head winds) and hope for a change in weather soon.
The girls have asked us to thank all those people who have been in contact so far and ask that they keep coming!
A text via satellite phone is free on the following:
Number 881641435197
At the moment emails are not being received but there is hope this will be resolved when a support technician contacts them later today. Their email is: nauticalnurses@skyfile.com
You can also follow daily progress of DreamMaker, boat 17, the aqua blue dot, via (Careful! It’s addictive!!!!) http://www.woodvale-challenge.com/Atlantic+Rowing+Race+2007
All that is left to say for now is GO GIRLS!!!! We are really proud of you and wish you a continued safe and successful adventure.
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