Race Diary as told by Alison Payne (Miriam’s Mum)

December 28th 2022

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas? We enjoyed a quiet day at home with family. We did miss Miriam but spoke to her twice on Christmas which was lovely. She said she was very much missing a roast turkey dinner. Fortunately, as we have our own turkeys’ provisions have been made to enjoy another Christmas dinner when she comes home. Miriam mentioned she has been craving for hot buttered toast and roast potatoes.

Miriam is now settling down to life on the ocean. Saying that it is not without it challenges.

After an initial head wind, the wind turned making things a lot easier and Miriam started to make some good progress.

One day she enjoyed the company of three beaked whales and even managed to get one on video. Apparently, they are rarely seen as they don’t often come to the surface as they live in very deep water. Another day she was hit by a flying fish – just a small one so no damage done.

On Christmas eve Miriam hit a milestone - 500 miles rowed. This was celebrated by enjoying a chocolate orange, a can of Irn Bru and a tin of mixed fruit – healthy eating at its best…..

Earlier this week Miriam sustained a broken oar. A large wave caught the oar and it snapped against the boat. Fortunately, there was no damage to the boat and Miriam does have two spare sets of oars in case of emergency.

Last night, due to high winds causing Miriam to be blown backwards, she put out the para-anchor and ‘battened down the hatches’. She was able to get the oars out today but it was hard going battling the wind and big waves. Miriam had to put ‘all on’ to stop the boat from doing a 360!

We spoke to her earlier. She was struggling to maintain her calorie intake due to the rough seas and not wanting her meal revisiting her! She has been snacking so she was not without food. Miriam is desperate for a proper wash which she had not been able to have for a few days. No doubt a hair wash as well.  

Miriam used her go-pro to look at the bottom of her boat a few days ago. It too needs a clean so that is on the to do list as soon as the weather calms down and it is safe to go into the water. At all times when Miriam goes into the water she will be wearing a safety harness which will keep her secured to the boat.

By this time tomorrow the wind should have turned to blow from the east making things a lot easier for Miriam. In  true ‘Miriam style’ she is taking this all in her stride and getting on with it.

Miriam in the Press!

Miriam has been featured in Living North.

Check out the article, ‘Why this Incredible Yorkshire 23-Year-Old is Solo Rowing Across the Atlantic Ocean’ here

Alison x

Remember: You can follow Miriam’s Journey in the Yellow Brick Race Tracker here!