Training Harder.....

So, only 2½ weeks to go and training has really intensified; we’re up to 3 sessions per week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Last Sunday’s session saw us heading up the river to Westminster Bridge, against the tide and with the Thames at its busiest.

We were continually buffeted by the wash from countless clippers and pleasure boats, full of visitors enjoying the beautiful early summer sunshine.

The full crew – Guy, Phil, Angus, Bruno, Simon and Lee – were joined by Faye, who’s kindly (and bravely) agreed to cox us across the Channel.

And it was a difficult inaugural voyage for Fay, as she had to guide us through the busy river traffic between Tower Bridge and Westminster whilst also taking instructions from our safety boat; all the time having to deal with the fiercely choppy waves that pitched and tossed us about and filled the boat with water.

Rowing at the prow of the boat, as I do, made for some very interesting moments as the wash from larger vessels frequently caused waves that hit us with a force that frequently lifted me off the cutter’s wooden seat, only to return the next moment with a mighty crash.

Although we found it hard going, it was well worth it as it forced us to face two of the most serious challenges we’ll face in the actual Channel crossing; seriously choppy seas and the potential to be sat in an open boat under the white hot sun.

But the team came through Sunday’s session well and apart from some new blisters where we’d all be pulling through the water so hard, we got back to the Ahoy still with plenty of energy.

And thanks to Fay’s excellent coxing, without collision or capsizing.

During the week we’d learnt that the teams attempting to row from London to Paris had to undertake the actual Channel crossing by ferry due to bad weather.

So, all our fingers are crossed for good weather on 10th June so we can complete our attempt without a hitch. We have a window of 4 days (10th - 13th June) for our attempt and we’re confident we’ll have the right conditions on at least one of those days.

We must say a big thank you to our support team from the Ahoy; Bailey for training us, Tony and Ibby for manning the safety boats and Sarah – the Ahoy’s fundraising co-ordinator.

Without all their hard work the cross Channel attempt couldn’t take place.

And of course we must also say a big thank you to everyone who’s sponsored us so far; your kind donations have helped us to raise almost £5,000 to date – a phenomenal display of generosity.

But we still have a long way to go to hit our fundraising target of £15,000; so please continue to donate at:

http://www.justgiving.com/ahoybuoys

Thanks for all your continued support.