They have satellite communication on board, and we were thrilled to receive an update from Giles with details of how the challenge is going so far.
“Hello Headway!
“We made amazing progress in the first two weeks, rowing past an iceberg the size of St Paul’s Cathedral and spotting our first bird and whale sightings - Minke, Pilot and Fin whales, and Petrels, Fulmars, Gannets and Puffins to name a few!
“After that the wind got nasty, and we had to hole up for a couple of days. When the weather improved, and the sun came back out it was time to dry out our wet clothes!
“Life on a small boat has altered our usual eating habits. We are adding peanut butter and olive oil to everything we eat, for more energy. We have also discovered that ginger nut and BabyBel sandwiches are delicious! We have dried rations to keep us going too.
“We try to sleep but the boat is moving a lot and is noisy too...everything either hits your ankle or spills… and we will spare you all the grisly details of our hygiene habits!
“BUT, we are very happy, looking after one another and the boat.
Helen Craig, Fundraising Manager at Headway, said:
“We are always impressed by what lengths our supporters go to help raise awareness and funds for Headway. Giles has taken ‘lengths’ quite literally and is tackling 1,700 nautical miles head-on for us by rowing across the North Atlantic. With his rowing partner Matthew, they are taking on three-hour shifts of rowing and resting – day and night, covering the distance from Newfoundland in Canada, to Ireland in just over 4 weeks.
“We wish Giles and Matthew, fair weather days, tolerable food and good humour to speed them safely on their way. The whole Headway extended family are urging you on and proud of every stoke you make - we are in awe!”
Show your support and make a donation.
Follow Giles and Matthew’s progress here.
