The rowing team is making incredible progress. In one 24 hours, they covered a remarkable 85 nautical miles, placing them 4th fastest on the water at the time. This impressive speed has propelled them to 9th place overall.
Landfall is estimated for the 16th of January, but if they keep this pace up, it could be sooner! Strong winds and currents are providing good acceleration, but comfort is a distant memory. Everyone's soaked to the bone, and has been for a day. Spirits are high, though Sam's perpetually feeling a bit queasy. This is probably how the rest of the week will be! Rex has been tethering his boxers to the roof, ensuring at least one dry pair for the night.
Ed had a brief, unplanned swim when a wave took him over. Luckily, he was clipped in, so it was just a matter of hauling him back aboard. He was soaked for the rest of the day, naturally. Wildlife encounters have been frequent. Whales have been spotted, a curious shark circled the boat before losing interest, and dolphins are playfully interacting with the oars. A close encounter with a massive Spanish trawler last night provided a brief moment of tension. After a quick radio exchange, a collision was narrowly avoided. The team has also been observing strange, unmanned lights in the water and sky, leading to speculation about possible UFO sightings.
About five days ago, a thick cloud of reddish-grey dust, a combination of Saharan sands and a large depression, enveloped the boat. The sun and moon were obscured, and the dust coated everything in a thick layer, including the Union Jack, which now appears more brown than blue.
Then the clouds finally parted, revealing a breathtaking sunset. The sky erupted in vibrant hues of gold and pink, offering a much-needed morale boost and a sense of hope as they continue their journey towards Antigua.
