Speedy Update

This post to our blog is long overdue. So a lot has happened over the last 2 years since the last post in isolation.

2020 isolation had its toll, as it did for everyone. However, this year also saw some health issues for Craig, thus our entry into TWAC 2020 was postponed to 2022. In 2021 we came to the decision that we either pulled out of the challenge completely or I find a new team partner. I was so close to giving up and pulling out as I was disheartened to not attempt the challenge with Craig and to find someone I knew, could trust my life with, work with and have fun with was going to be a challenge in itself. But I just couldn’t get this bug out of me so I ongoingly delayed the decision. Then came Ange. We met at work in 2020, grew a friendship in 2021 and the wheels were in motion. She fitted everything I was looking for and to top it off she had the same passion and values for life as I did.

So the big question came. “Will you row the Atlantic Ocean with me?” I almost felt like this would make or break our friendship. What an odd question to ask someone!! Thankfully she was thrilled with the idea.

Here we now are with preparations in full swing and an ocean to row in 9 months!!!!

ISOLATION

When we registered for TWAC2020 we never imagined the barriers we would face to get to the start line: family; health; finance; and now COVID-19 has added a whole new dimension, having to work from home, home schooling, study and our MAY training trip to the UK cancelled. But we always try to look at the positives

WAIT… HOLD ON… that was just my dream

This is our isolation, and with those dark gloomy days approaching us….

we are very thankful we have an adventurous spirit and have TWAC 2020 to keep us sane!!

Our Boat... ready for 2020!

We are now the proud owner’s of a Rannoch R15 which will become our knew home in a little over 18 months! We are extremely excited and nervous as the realism starts to sink in. We cannot wait to meet the boat in person and take it out for a row!

Photos of our tiny home to come…

We found a boat!

In April we have sourced a second-hand boat, which completed the 2018 Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge and now holds a World Record for the fastest female pair to complete the crossing. What a daunting process! Purchasing a boat we cannot inspect, a huge financial investment and on the opposite side of the world. However, coincidentally we were avid dot watchers (YB Races app) of Whale of a Time, which made the process easier as we knew the boats performance. The team at Rannoch have been more than helpful and have definitely gone over and above without question.

Boat progress

During the month of March Craig made contact with a few different ocean rowing boat designers/builders.  We knew so little but all part of the journey.  Everyone has been very helpful.  Being in Australia the logistics and cost has a great impact on feasibility.  We are keeping an eye on second-hand boats used in a previous Talisker Whisky challenge, as most are still in great condition plus come with some or most of the mandatory gear and equipment required for the event.  Keep posted for boat updates!

Registering our Interest for 2020!

In Feb 2019 we registered our interest in the undertaking the Taliskey Whisky Atlantic Challenge.  I felt excited but anxious, exhilarated but despondent, 5 months previously we had never heard of this challenge but soon became all we thought and talked about.

Craig and I watched a documentary ‘Losing Sight of Shore’, in his attempts to convince me we could safely sail the world with our kids.  However, the documentary impacted me in a different way, leaving a deep and stubborn mark, one I could not ignore.  I researched the women who participated in the row and then further into ocean rowing.  I additionally, came across a podcast featuring Debra Searle and it came to my attention that the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is open for anyone to attempt.  After a few weeks of watching the documentary I told Craig of the challenge and dropped the bomb.  Craig’s response, “You’re mad”.  After a week of research Craig came to me and said “OK. You’re not doing this without me”…