Image: Calm before the storm Calm before the storm
Image: George and Nigel strapping down the liferaft George and Nigel strapping down the liferaft

Its Emotional!
6th June 2005 12:00 BST    4526.0000N,04630.0000W,0M
"Don't ask for an easier life ask to be a stronger person" Unknown Author.

The last 24hrs have been just that "Emotional". Yesterday we recieved the most severe news one could wish not to recieve when 400 miles out into the Atlantic in a 29ft rowing boat. "A Hurricane is developing stop rowing do not progress East" Lee Bruce. For those of you who do not know Lee is our Weather Router.

Such news creates a knot in your stomach and with a release of adrenalin the pulse quickens. We were advised that we should consider a pick up by a passing ship or alternatively prepare to be capsized. The tension on the boat has been unbearable and without doubt in the darkest hours our thoughts were with loved ones. Still I know not one of us would leave "Naturally Best" without attempting to see out the storm.

We were expecting to be hit by the worst of the weather this evening and through into Tuesday morning. However that was yeasterday's prediction and we are somewhat relieved to tell you all that the eye of the storm has pushed to our East. At worst we now expect winds to reach 30knts, somewhat more comfortable than yesterday's predicted 65knts.

For the last 24hrs we have been on the Para Anchor but tonight we hope to be running South East with 30knts of assistance.

More soon

The Crew


Previous Dispatches
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Let The Battle Commence!    5th June, 2005 12:00 BST
Hello, well its been another busy 24hrs which has seen continued progress in a Easterly direction. Last night we were cruising at speeds of upto 4knts, great for rowing but not so good for the nerves.

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OFF THE BANKS YEEHA!    4th June 2005
Day 5 and we are off The Grand Banks. A tough 24 hrs battling across a stiff south westerly wind and a confused sea saw Natty B exit the lnfamous banks early today. It's been a harsh time for all

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Old Man of the Sea    3rd June 2005 12:00 BST
At 42 years old and with a face as red as an angry farmer we the crew are pleased to announce that crew member Nigel Morris is today officially a birthday boy. In fine male tradition no one bought him

Later dispatches - Previous dispatches