LaGmra Day 17 - Weather Guide & Gale Force Winds 10 Dec, 06 - 23.14

The stormy conditions have worsened in the past 24 hrs.
The ferry service across the islands to Tenerife may be cancelled due to the weather on Tuesday and James Little and the others plan to leave La Gomera tomorrow in order to catch their onward flights to London on Wed.
A further bit of bad news at breakfast time. Gábor Rakonczai & Andrea Pálos, attempting to cross from Cadiz in Spain to Antigua set off their EPIRB this morning and a rescue at sea is underway for them. Seems like they got hit by the storm.
The evening was taken up by a group meeting with Kenneth to assess the current situation and go over a few emergency procedures at sea.
Since, I will be writing much about the weather over the next few days, here is a brief guide to interpreting the weather maps posted on this site from my daily OPC data.
The black and white image on the right, is the Surface Forecast for the Atlantic, from the OPC (Ocean Prediction Center), run by the US department of Commerce. http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov/
The Surface Forecast provides data on atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity and precipitation. It is based upon data collected routinely from trained observers satellites, weather stations, buoys. The Surface Forecast is usually available for 24, 48 and 96 hour periods and is updated daily.
(For more on other info such as Wave Heights, Pressure and Satellite maps visit http://www.bhavik.com/crossatlantic/weathercenter.htm)
The main symbol in the diagram, (F) is a wind barb, which indicates wind speed and direction. The Wind barb points outward in the direction "from" which the wind is blowing.
The term easterly means that the winds are from the east. In the
example, the winds are out of the northeast, or north-easterly. On the otherhand, the term "eastward" means that the winds are blowing towards the east.
Wind speed is given here in the units of "knots" (knt). A "Knot" is a nautical mile per hour.
1 Knot = 1.15 Miles Per Hour (MPH)
1 Knot = 1.9 Kilometres Per Hour (KM/HR)
Each short barb represents 5 knots, each long barb 10 knots. A long barb and a short barb is 15 knots, simply by adding the value of each barb together (10 knots + 5 knots = 15 knots). If only a station circle is plotted, the winds are calm.
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The winds around La Gomera are averaging 35-45 knots.
We were hoping to leave Wednesday, but it looks optimistic with the current weather forecast. Waiting for a break in the weather when the storm center moves further North.
Thanks to all for the messages,
B
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. My daily OPC weather report

2. Weather map and symbols

3. Interpreting symbols for wind speed

LaGmra Day 16 - Boat on water, Force 5 winds 09 Dec, 06 - 06.08

Miss Olive was put on water today at 10.30 am.
A few tense moments as the boat was lifted off dry docks on the crane and hit by Force 5 winds as it was being put into the water. We were promptly blown out to sea, with the wind hitting the boat beam on. Eventually had to be towed back in. Not a very good start to the day.
The weather has taken a turn for the worse overnight, with North-Easterly gale force winds averaging around 35 knots (near gale conditions). The low pressure front has moved in and looks like it will stay till Tuesday or Wed.
Hoping the storm center moves further North in the next few days. The weather is expected to get much worse tomorrow.
B
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. Antifouling coating applied before lowering the boat onto the water

2. Boat being lifted by the crane

3. Out in the harbour

LaGmra Day 15 - Fiesta, Filming, Stock Photos 08 Dec, 06 - 20.38

A bit of bad news. The weather has changed and a low pressure front is moving in, estimated to hit La Gomera tomorrow. The winds have picked up slightly with Gale force winds expected to arrive tomorrow.
Most of the people in San Sebastian have gone walkabouts. Today is All Saints Day in the Canary Islands, which translates into everything being closed and a 12 hour fiesta starting at 6 in the evening.
We got the filming out of the way earlier on in the day, followed by a media interview.
Most of the evening was spent with the shore team, including former ocean rowers James 'Tiny' Little, Graham Walters, and Peter Hogden. Few people in history have ever successfully rowed across an ocean, compared to 2000 who have climbed Everest. The community of ocean rowers is extremely small, and it’s quite touching to see past ocean rowers fly all the way to La Gomera, to be at hand for assistance and see off people like myself, attempting a row for the first time. I hope I can do the same for fellow rowers in the future.
The boat goes on the water tomorrow at 10.30 am. More shortly.
B
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. Marina as seen from Parador, on the hill overlooking San Sebastaian

2. Group dinner

3. Christmas fiesta in the village

LaGmra Day 14 - Waypoints, Charts, Mob Updates, Columbus 07 Dec, 06 - 12.09

The order of the day has been storing waypoints for the best route into the GPS system based on the latest weather report with a manual back up in my the log book. I am also carrying the Admiralty Charts for the North Atlantic that covers wind and pressure data for Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb. In addition to local maps around Antigua and English Harbour.
*warning - technical talk ahead*
For the benefit of those planning to use C3 on Iridum with Direct Internet 2.0, my timing of image uploads puts it at about 1 min / 10k. We have added an extra Eur 800 worth of minutes more to the system. I recommend a minimum of 1000 minutes to start with.
Mobile updates are now available. Via the RSS feed (link on the home page) or via your phone browser.
Note: The map on the news page requires the Macromedia Flash player. If you are using Symbian OS (on Nokia etc) please check availability at http://www.adobe.com/devnet/devices/
I am currently using a Nokia N93 which is capable of filming excellent DVD quality video. It's pre-installed with the Adobe imaging software suit as well as Acrobat. Quite surprised to find that Flash did not come pre-installed, as Macromedia was acquired by Adobe last year.
The installation can be a bit fiddly and not as seamless as I would have liked. I have not had the time to go into the online forums to find a work around. (If anyone from the Nokia Sponsor team is reading this, let me know).
Unfortunately, there has not been enough time to edit the recorded pod casts for publishing. They will be made available after the crossing is over.
*breathe - tech talk ends*
Back to rowing related tasks, I have neglected filming over the past few days. Will be making it up for it tomorrow, with about 2 hrs reserved for filming high definition video footage.
Tomorrow I also officially hand over Administration tasks to the shore team. Including website admin, finance, emergency contacts and PR. The will also be responsible for co-ordinating travel arrangements for those of you who wish to spend a week in Antigua with me, on arrival in mid-feb. Details will be circulated to all sponsors shortly.
La Gomera is also known for being the last stop that Christopher Columbus made on his voyage to the New World in 1492. To the left is a photo of the his house, Casa de Colón, that I walk past almost every day.
Finally, the boat is ready to be launched on water tomorrow and loaded with ballast. In good hands with Pavel and the rest of the shore team.
Keep the messages coming, thanks to all,
Will post an update here in the next 24 hrs.
B
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. Nautical Charts

2. Manually plotted route in my log book

3. Christopher Columbus House

LaGmra Day 13 - Puffin, Purchasing Parity, Media 06 Dec, 06 - 20.53

Keeping in line with local tradition, ahead is 4 day weekend. Today is a holiday, Constitution day followed by a fiesta (party) in the village for the next 4 days. However, the Marina is still working and we are scheduled for seatrials the day after. Its impossible to row the boat against the wind and given the prevailing wind conditions. Fortunately, one of the sailors in the marina has offered to tow us back from sea once we have finished.
Being a holiday, I have taken the opportunity to update the website and catch up with emails. I get about 200 emails a day and its good to hear from those of you I have not been in touch with for a few years.
Graham Walters arrived with his boat "Puffin" last night. Graham has had 3 successful crossings across the Atlantic, as part of a team as well as solo.
"Puffin" has a tragic story to it.
On Sunday,May 22, 1966, David Johnstone and John Hoare - began optimistically what proved to be voyage of no return. Puffin, only fifteen feet long, was specially designed and built for David Johnstone and John Hoare. Although they survived over 106 days at sea, which included 14 gales of various strengths and one hurricane, their brave attempt was finally ended on 3rd September 1966 when they lost their lives during a second hurricane, Hurricane Faith. Several weeks later the Canadian coastguard ship HMCS Chaudière came across the wreck of the Puffin and retrieved the little boat, by then festooned inside and out with marine growth. There was no sign of Johnstone or Hoare.
On a slightly more happier note (?), the iPOD has gone on the blink. I assume it is the sea salt. Just as BigMac has evolved to be a measure of Purchasing Power Parity, it seems the iPOD seems to have evolved to be a measure of remoteness. None available anywhere here nor in Tenerife. Now you a better idea of life on La Gomera.
Luckily, just in time, James "Tiny" Little, flies in from London tomorrow, bringing with him a replacement and a few pearls of wisdom from an experienced ocean rower. Tiny is one of the few who have successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic in 2004 along the same route and is flying in to see us off.
I took some time today to go to some parts of the village that I did not have time for earlier, passing the Church and the house of Cristopher Columbus.
With the manual tasks out of the way, tomorrow I turn my attention to route, software related issues, GPS, Iridium, media interviews and handing over operations to the shore team once I have left.
Cheers!
B

TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. The Puffin found floating at sea without crew. David
Johnston and John Hoare were lost at sea in the capsize.

2. The Village Church

3. Atlantic awaits

LaGmra Day 12 - Los Cristianos 05 Dec, 06 - 22.05

For a change, a fairly short one today.
I have reserved 1 day to buy or replace any items on board as we went through the check lists. Today. We sailed across to Los Cristianos, Tenerife around 10.00 get some replacement dry bags, EPOXY, spare fuses etc from Pesquera Y Navales in Los Cristianos, the nautical shop just by the marina. As going to the next island is quite an event in La Gomera, I offered to do some shopping for for other people in the marina. Incidentally, I also found out, this considerably lengthens the shopping list, which in turn is inversely proportional to the time available on shore.
Impressively, we also managed to squeeze in a 2 hour drive to Puerto De La Cruiz in the North, to pick up some replacement marine stickers.
The past two weeks have been a bit of a blur. Its been exactly 2 weeks since we have been in La Gomera. Its taken a little longer than expected. But Ias they say, can't go to sea either with instructions written in ketchup on the back of a KFC napkin.
We've been working all hours, chasing suppliers and making modifications necessary. My onshore technical duties are almost complete, including Hull Work - patching, painting, anti fouling, Servicing Electrics and Watermaker, Safety Equipment - distress flares etc, WaterTight hatches, Ropes & Moorings, Licences and Certifications, VHF DSC, First Aid, Spares, Maintenance & Tools, Healthcare, Food, All Onboard electronics - GPS, Transponder, Argos Beacons, EPIRB, Charts & Manuals.
I am satisfied our level of readiness and ready to concentrate on the next bit - 1 day of marine trials and the course ahead.
On a lighter note, here is a photo of a entertaining store sign I spotted in Los Cristianos - "Bloody Hell Offer"
Presumably, the owner is of Asian origin and I assume he means that it is wat a customer says when he hears the price of ciggies - Bloody Hell!. The only thing is, I'm not entirely sure if it means the price is too high or too low. Los Cristianos is expensive.
Thanks to everyone for the phone calls and well wishing emails. I appreciate them all. Its difficult to catch up with everyone before I leave, so do apologise if I have missed out on anyone.
Tomorrow we have interviews scheduled w/TV Canarias and a few other journalists.
That's all for today, over and out,
B
PS. Note to Rune: Could not find Endomine in Tenerife or La Gomera, have alternatives on board.
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. San Sebastian Marina as seen from sea

2. Pesquera Y Navales 

3. Bloody Hell Offer!!

LaGmra Day 11 - CHECKLIST - Charts & Manuals 04 Dec, 06 - 21.16

Before I loose too many visitors to the website, I promise, this is the last of the checklists.
A final wrap up of all the manuals including the Wiring Schematic for the entire boat, to be stored in water tight casings. Nothing to get really animated about, but critical enough for repairs at sea.
It has taken me a little longer than I expected to load the boat and have
everything to my satisfaction. I have insisted on loading the boat my self so I know the exact inventory and location of all items by memory.
With all the work going in the dock, the hatch and deck has played host to everything from fiberglass dust, iron filings and volcanic ash that gets blown across from the beach. I spent a good few hours till 10.00 pm cleaning the inside to bring it upto to an acceptable standard of hygene. I hear respiratory illnesses are undesirable.
The final act of the day was washing all the Neoperene Rubber layering, my weapon of choice, for the floor of the hatch.
Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber popular in wetsuits and protective gear. Neoprene has a variety of properties that make it quite useful, including being abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant, waterproof, somewhat stretchable and buoyant, resists degradation from sun, ozone and weather and is inflammable. In short, it seems to do everything except make coffee.
Moving on, tomorrow is a small shopping trip across the water to Tenerife. Just discovered that 2 of the dry bags on board have been torn. Also on the list is extra Epoxy and Fuses and other bits and bobs.
Thanks all for now. Its 11.45 pm here. Off to grab some dinner.
More tomorrow,
B
** CHECK LIST - CHARTS **
1 x Atlantic Ocean Admiralty Charts / Pilot Charts for Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
1 x Atlantic GPS Maps
1 x Antigua Maps
** CHECK LIST - MANUALS **
1 x Force10 8200
1 x Katadyn 40E
1 x Whale Gusher Bilge
1 x SEA Me Active Radar
1 x iCom Marine Transceiver ICM421
1 x Iridium 9505A
1 x Silva Solar II
1 x Solara SM40 - 225M
1 x Solara CBS40 - 225M
1 x Curtis Instruments
1 x Wiring Schematic
1 x Garmin 152
1 x Argos MAR YX
1 x Iris 100
1 x Silva M4 Marine
1 x Sony HC30, HC32, R1, T9
1 x Hahnel CLR 103

TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. Manuals

2. Wiring Schematic for the boat

3. Cleaning the deck

LaGmra Day 10 - CHECKLIST - Electronics 03 Dec, 06 - 4.31

Due apologies for the tsunami of checklists. I promise more entertaining updates once out at sea.
This is some of the more routine (relative to rowing across the Atlantic that is) work that needs to be done. So once again, here is a re-iteration from my notes of the day for Electronics.
Despite being a Sunday (you can always tell its a Sunday in La Gomera - even the Coke vending machine in the marina is switched off), our work continued till 3 am with the occasional yells of celebration from the Russian boat builders fishing at the end of the pier.
We are almost done loading the boat with the last item being the water ballast - to be loaded once the boat is in the water.
** CHECK LIST - ELECTRONICS **
2 x Iridium 9505A
1 x Iridium 9505
2 x ex antenna
2 x 12v charges
2 x Serial comms cables.
1 x Garmin 152 Fixed
1 x Garmin HandHeld + Atlantic GPS Maps
1 x SEA Me Active Radar Reflector
1 x iCOM Fixed VHF
1 x iCOM Handheld VHF
2 x Argos Satellite Beacons
1 x 406.025 MHz EPIRB
2 x Sony T9
1 x Sony T9 Marine Casing
1 x Sony DSC-R1
1 x Sony HVR-A1E (1080i HD)
1 x Extreme Visions Marine Sony DCR HC30 x 1
1 x Sony DCR HC32
1 x GTX Tripod
2 x Hahnel MCL 103
5 x ExLife Batts
1 x Panasonic Tough Book CF29
1 x Nokia N93
1 x HP PDA + C3
35 x HD DVC Tapes
3 x 1 GB Memory Sticks
2 x 1 GB Mini SD
1 x 80 GB Ipod
1 x 30 GB ipod
1 x DC / AC Inverter
1 x 120 GB Data Store
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. Iridium Kit

2. Cameras, Solar Panels, Transponder

3. Catch of the Day

LaGmra Day 9 - CHECKLIST - FirstAid 02 Dec, 06 - 7.31

In the absence of Dr Sanjay Gupta on board, the First Aid box contains the basics to deal with possible medical conditions at sea and minor patch up surgery. Here is a quick insight into the contents of my laminated prescription cards.
DIHYDROCODINE - Painkiller - Severe pain 2x 30 mg Codeine + 2 x 500mg Paracetamol 4x daily max
PREDNISOLONE - Steroid - Inflamed / rubbing joints and rashes
ORUVAIL GEL - Anti inflammatory gel
BRUFEN - Low Grade joint pains / anti inflammatory - one at a time
AUGMENTIN - General antibotic for mainly skin and soft tissue complaints. In case of bad cuts, use to stop infection. Use to clear up boils
OTOSPORIN - Ear infections of outer ear - test for infection by finger in ear smell test
CHLORAPHENICOL - Eye oinment for any infection. EG. Conjunctivitis. Also for boils.
GAVISCON - For Indigestion
STEMETIL - Seasickness Tablets. 24 hrs prior to need. Drowsy
DIORYLYTE - Replace lost salts from dehydration
HYPROMELLOSE - Eye drops for dry eyes
PIRITON - For clearing air passages
FLAGYL - Good for the gut. Any intestinal diseases + dental infections
FLUOXACILLIN - Broad spectrum antibiotic - skin problems, tonsillitis, emphysema, pneumonia
CICATRIN - Topical anti bacterial agent, pressure sores, burns, surface use only
DAKTARIN - Anti fungal powder - for athletes foot type complaints in other body parts
ZINC OXIDE TAPE - Use for strapping strains and closing wounds
CALAMINE LOTION - For sunburn
FLAMAZINE - For burns - use fresh water to cool (better than sea water). Flamazine regenerates tissue. For acid burns - profuse irrigation with water
EPHEDRINE - Nasal congestion
ANTIBIOTIC CREAM - To make mix some powder from flucloxacillin capsule with Vaseline to make a paste - this can also be used to pack boils
BOILS - Cut open boil with scalpel. Clean wound and remove all pus + infection. Ensure wound is cleaned to base. Pull apart area around wound to remove any remaining fluid. Pack wound with Gauze and antibiotic cream. Cover wound lightly. Can put Chloraphenicol in boil.
DEHYDRATION - Use pinch test and remedy with Diorylyte
** CHECK LIST - FIRST AID **
3 x Laminated Prescription Cards
1 x Foil Blankets
2 x Surgical Gloves
1 x Tyenol
1 x Dentanurse
16 x Clean Tabs
1 x Glycerol
1 x Ketoprofen
1 x Savlon
1 x Dermetol
1 x Dektarin
1 x Cicatrin Powder
1 x Calamine Lotion
1 x Hypromellose
1 x Dihydrocodeine (water loss correction)
1 x Mupirocin
1 x Amoxcellin Trihydrate
2 x 3M Coban Tape
1 x First Aid w/p Tape
1 x Rocialle Sterile Gauz swabs
1 x Crepe Bandage Dressing
1 x 36' Sam Splint

TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. The First Aid Box

2. Laminated Prescription cards with basic diagnostic info

3. The weather is holding up, near perfect conditions for sailing

LaGmra Day 8 - Part 2 - CHECKLIST - Healthcare, Maintenance, Spares, Tools, Fuel 01 Dec, 06 - 20.58

With the VHF work out of the way, the latter part of the day from about 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm was spent loading the boat with Healthcare, Maintenance Equipment, Tool Kit, Spares and Replacements, Fuels and Gas.
The problem with the Force10 cooker has finally been resolved with a bit of Russian style improvisation. As I wrote earlier, the corrosion in the burner was producing a yellow flame, unsuitable for use. The burner has been taken apart and replaced with a Camping Gaz burner locally available. After a bit of destructive metal cutting and soldering, we manged to adapt the Camping Gaz burner. The bad news is that the 14 existing canisters of Propane on board were promptly rendered unusable, due to a difference in ring sizes on the Camping Gaz cartridges and Force10 cartridges. As they say, the devil is in the details. For the sake of standardization, I wish Microsoft also made Propane cartridges. The good news is that we do not have to ship a replacement cooker from Canada, the only place it is available, as it is not certified for sale anywhere in the EU. In addition, I have three extra replacement burners, available locally, which can be replaced at sea in case of corrosion.
A very welcome break from work, later on in the evening, with a going away party at the local tapas bar with Andreu & the team, Tatiana, Kennith, Ed Baylis, Stuart Turnbull and of course the Russians and an after party at the only club on the island. A lack of choice does make decision making easier when it comes to debating about which is the best bar in town to go to.
Here are the Checklists from my notes of the day, for the curiosity of the general public and benefit of future solo Atlantic attempts. Indulge!
Note: All items have been vacume packed to prevent corrosion.
** CHECK LIST - HEALTHCARE **
2 x C60 Sunblock
1 x Aloe Lotion
1 x Aloe Burn Relief
8 x Lotil cream
6 x Vaseline
4 x natusan
1 x centrum
4 x hand sanitizers
6 x instrunet pre-surgical disinfectant
** CHECK LIST - MAINTENANCE **
1 x Medio removable adhesive spray
1 x Lifechalk Underwater Polysulfide Rubber Compound
1 x SDM Silicone Waterproof Rubber Sealant
1 x RS Silicon Oil
2 x Mobil OTE Lubricating Oil
1 x 2-4-C Marine Lubricant (for steering, cables, swivel pins, universal joints, gimbal bearings, hing pins etc.)
** CHECK LIST - SPARES & REPLACEMENTS **
1 x Katadyne Membrane Preservative
1 x Acid Katadyne Membrane Cleaner
1 x Alkali Katadyne Membrane Cleaner
2 x Katadyne R3 Filter Cartridges
2 x Katadyne tubing w/ 3 way turning taps
6 x Oar Locks
3 x Blade Protectors
1 x Waterproof Hatch Cover
** CHECK LIST - TOOLKIT **
1 x WestMarine 6ea - 20ea Pan Match screws to 1/4" flat washers
(inc. pan and oval match screws, nylon insert locknuts, hex nuts, washers)
1 x Pliers, Spanners, Hammer, Sanders
1 x Drill bits
24 x Wire fastners
1 x Self amalgamating tape
1 x whipping twine
1 x webbing
5 x masking tape
** CHECKLIST - FUEL & GAS **
14 x 1lbs Western Outdoors Propane
2 x Butaine Stormlighter Fuel
4 x SL Frog Gas
TODAYS PHOTOS -
1. Cooker fixed

2. Healthcare, Maintenance, Spares, Toolkit

3. Tapas dinner with Andreu & Team