Four man team attempt to break record

Today saw us take a trip up to London to visit team GB Row.

They are a team of four who shall set out to become the second boat ever to row around Great Britain. They leave on friday, and we took the opportunity to meet up with them prior to their departure.

A very young team, Will, Rob, Nick and Dave hope also to break the speed record. We were impressed by their enthusiasm and interested to hear of their build up and decisions they have taken regarding their kit.

Following their trip shall be invaluable to us as we shall learn so much about what lies in store for us this time next year.

They are raising money for Orchid, a charity fighting male cancers. To support them and check up on their progress, please visit:

www.gbrow.com

We wish them the very best of luck with their trip and have our fingers crossed for the weather Gods.

Graceful launch of Komale

The now sticker-less Komale has been generously granted residence in the Lymington Yacht Haven, where she has been expertly looked after. Damage done during her return from Antigua has been repaired by Graham Thomson, whilst Matt Mew has done a superb job of polishing and antifouling her bottom.

Komale spent a cosy night in the crane slings before splash down early Tuesday morning. We are pleased to report that she floats admirably, sitting very high in the water without her ballast

Determined not to be defeated by the ferocious wind tearing it's way through the marina we took Komale out for her first voyage (with us). It soon became apparent that although a speedy and nimble vessel downwind, any wind across her bows plays havoc with navigation, particularly in the narrow lanes of a marina.

n search of larger expanses of water, which we thought she would feel more comfortable in, we nosed out into the Lymington River. Sure enough she steamed her way to the windward bank, but to our dismay politefully declined to do an about-turn in the face of the wind once getting there. Action stations were required to avoid some beautifully varnished X-boats and not without the help of a lonely buoy did we manage to settle the situation and swing her bows around into the wind ready for a race back across the river and avoid the need for rescue on her maiden voyage.

Maybe this rowing malarky isn't so straightforward after all...