Seeing Out 2023
Happy New Year's Eve.
What a challenging week Liz has endured to see out 2023.
It started well with her first solo drone flight at sea. She sounded so elated after she’d flown and successfully retrieved it, of course there was a funny story too, as the ‘battery level low’ light came on when it was ¼ of a mile away and Liz struggled to get off her seat as it got back to the boat - at that point she was convinced she’d lose it on the first flight. But we all know Liz, and after a couple of fly by’s she successfully caught it. The image she got of her little white boat out on the vast blue ocean is brilliant.
Those of you who are following the race on YB tracker, will have seen the daily mileage go down dramatically amongst all the teams over Christmas. This has been caused by a weather system creating South Westerly winds; pushing the boats backwards. Unlike sailing boats, ocean rowing boats do not go well to windward. Even the larger teams struggled to make headway, most of the crews went on para anchor just to hold position. Liz rowed for an unbelievable 20 hours on Christmas Day before finally deciding that, even she needed a break! She really is extraordinary.
The conditions continued to be very challenging with the wind and a confused swell and although Liz was determined to keep rowing, she had to repeatedly deploy the para anchor in an effort to keep Tic Tac from being blown East. She’s hoping the trade winds will fill back in early next week. It’s really demoralising for all the rowers when the weather is against them, but particularly the solo’s, as they can’t double up and push into it.
With slow moving boats, slime and barnacles can build up in warm waters, reducing the speed and increasing the effort needed considerably. Liz applied a very good anti-foul (paint that helps prevent the attachment of unwanted organisms) on Tic Tac's hull and so far it’s worked pretty well. She also designed a system for flossing, by attaching carpet-like pads to a rope, she then throws the rope over the bow, while holding both ends, she pulls each side up and down to clear any growth. The only part of the boat she can’t clean with this method is the rudder and stern. Her plan yesterday, Saturday, had been to jump over the side and clean the rudder if needed, she popped the Gopro in first and was delighted to find no growth. Surprisingly, Liz is not a fan of swimming in the sea, so she’ll be very relieved her pre race preparation has worked well so far.
Strangely anti fouling ocean rowing boats is a controversial topic. Liz and I are totally on the same page with this, but some teams apply polish to the gel coat and off they go. Personally, I’d rather not go over the side to scrub the hull every week, instantly get as much as an extra knot of boat speed for a day or so, then gradually see the improvement diminish until it's cleaned again 6 or 7 days later. Give me a decent application of anti foul any day!
This morning Liz sent us some great videos, music blaring, laughing as she rowed, and clearly enjoying being out there. It was great to see. She’s doing so well, and holding her own in the solo class, currently 4th, just 30 odd miles behind the leader. She’s hoping to get to halfway tomorrow, what a fantastic way to start the New Year.
If you have a minute, please take a look at Liz’s charity page, here’s the link: https://worldstoughestrow-lizwardley.raisely.com
Your generosity is so appreciated and thank you, if you've already donated, I'm keeping Liz updated on the fundraising, she's hugely grateful for your support.
That’s it from me for this year. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, healthy and happy 2024.
Fair winds and following seas.
Louise