Saturday 7th March
I have belonged to a senior Secretarial/PA Club for many years; our leader arranges wonderful visits to hotels and venues who offer us luscious canapés and tours of their fantastic facilities in the hope that we will then use them through our own businesses.
One of the members – Sara – took up rowing on the Thames a few years back and, about 18 months ago, announced she was going to row the Atlantic Ocean. Astounding!
It took Sara and her friend Ann much, much longer than they thought – they had some technical issues and a broken oar. You aren’t allowed to take any support from anyone or you are disqualified. They’ve been through all sorts of weather, enormous waves and seen amazing wildlife. They left La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 12th December 2019 and, today, after 3000 miles in 86 days, 8 hours and 59 minutes, she and her friend, Ann, rowed into Antigua!
I was able to watch them arrive on FaceBook live and was cheering and clapping very loudly from the motorhome in Spain. It was very emotional! When Sara crossed the line she became the oldest woman to row the Atlantic (age 64 – although she looks about 40!). I’m so proud and pleased for her – what an awesome (oarsome) achievement!! Emotionally, definitely a ‘best bit’.
Their row also raised money for two charities – Alzheimer’s Society and Street League.
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge website reports – “35 boats started from La Gomera on 12 Dec 2019 and on 07 Mar 2020, 87 days later, 35 boats have made it safely to Antigua. Of the fleet of 7 solos rowers, 14 pairs rowers, 12 trio rowers, 60 fours rowers and 10 fives rowers, a total of 103 rowers 102 made it across.”
TiddleyOmPomPom on Tour 