13 Dec 2007

This account of how the Angels are getting on has been compiled off the back of a few telephone conversations back home and time spent with the Angels prior to departure. The Angels hope to have email and their blog up and running soon, but in the meantime we promise to keep you updated with their news!

La Gomera, with its warm winter weather and cheap beer was the perfect setting for 'launch parties' and 'take off'! As the teams bonded and prepared for the challenge ahead, family, friends and locals all descended upon the small port in the run up to the race to offer support, advice and above all love.

Departure day was a mix of emotions, the teams being torn between wanting to finally get going after months of preparation and not wanting to say goodbye. The Angels were in the same boat (no pun intended!) but once they got on board, it was plain to see they belonged together and were ready and able to take on whatever lay ahead.

As might well be expected, life on a 29ft row boat in the Atlantic has taken some getting used to... having not had much in the way of sea rowing training or experience its been a true adventure for the Angels from the start.      Sea sickness from the outset, grappling with cooking their first meal, the pitch black nights, intermittent sleep, losing sight of land, dodgy sea conditions, loss of electircal power, body sores, home sickness ...they have had to contend with the lot, all whilst NEVER stopping rowing. And, unsurprisingly they are still going, because that's our girls - our Angels!

Despite the severe shock to the system they must all be encountering, they are doing fantastically well in the race, they are starting to settle into their routine and make a home for themselves out in the big blue - they have even managed to make some new friends! Word has it they have a new fan (or should that be fin?) club of dolphins that follow them around and apparently even a whale has passed by hoping to get a glimps of the girls.

And although the pure physical demand must be taking its toll after 11 days, the Angels are as determined as ever - if not more so! - to reach their goal. Its early days still and yes they have a long way to go, but they are keeping eachother going - a testiment to their team spirit  and  they are taking each day as it comes... and what more they are still rowing....Oarsome!!

Please continue to check back for futher updates.