Sunrises and Sunsets - Race Update - Saturday 30th November

With nearly a week since the crew set sail, today’s diary entry comes from crew member James. James is a current student at Imperial and rowed with Rene during Rene’s time there.


"Today is day 6 of racing. The previous days now seem blurred, defined not by sunrises and sunsets, but by shifts on and off. The day breaks down into multiple shifts 6 hours long, or 4 hours at night, shared between 2 watches. The unpleasant 2am alarms and 10am bed times are made bearable by the incredible scenery. Though the sights rarely change, it’s hard to be bored of a sky illuminated by only starlight, and sunrises over an empty ocean. We’ve befriended various dolphins along the way, who I like to think are guiding us home. Their appearance is usually the highlight of any watch. I initially was worried about the sleeping situation: small, shared bunks hardly appeal, but the levels of fatigue endured make any spot seem like the softest mattress. I have found the logbook to make an unexpectedly comfortable pillow. 

Low winds have prolonged our journey, and the prospect of rationing our resources looms. Hopefully we will make landfall in 12 days, or sooner ideally. Apart from these hardships the experience is overwhelmingly positive. If we weren’t trying to sail, the weather couldn’t be more perfect. 

I’ve been trying to maintain my fitness for rowing with circuits on the deck, to the amusement of the crew. The crew have remained fervently amicable, with the poor winds having only minor impact on morale. Our purpose keeps us enduring the tougher times. Some parts of me don’t want to leave the glowing sun and cooling breezes of the Atlantic, but the thought of home has me counting down the days, so here’s hoping for some fair winds."



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