Miriam has less than 500NM to go!!!
Race Diary as told by Alison Payne (Miriam’s Mum)
Sunday 29th January 2023
Again, at the time of writing this Miriam has passed another milestone! 🙌 She has now rowed three quarters of the way to Antigua. This we know will be a much needed boost for Miriam. The end is coming into sight now…👀 🏝️
Since New Year Miriam has continued to make good progress despite the weather. She is enjoying ‘surfing the waves’ when the wind is strong. She continues to look for wildlife and has had some birds fly over and onto the boat. It is said you see birds when land is near.
The weather remains an ongoing challenge all due to the wind and its ever-changing direction with at times no wind at all!
Days with high temperatures and little wind have affected the rowers energy levels. This last week the wind has blown most of the fleet further south than anticipated, with a struggle to get back on track. The coming week shows an increasing wind which will hopefully help drive the fleet towards Antigua. Although this is very frustrating for Miriam, she is not daunted by it – “It is what it is”, she says.
Sleep deprivation is hitting Miriam hard due to long hours rowing and disturbed sleep. Food remains an issue but Miriam is tolerating it more due to being so hungry and tired. 🥱 This is something all the rowers have to cope with. All part of the Atlantic experience!
The safety officers are in regular contact with all the rowers. They advise the teams about weather and planning of routes, help sort out any technical issues, and at times, are someone for the rowers to talk to. They remain a constant and reassuring source of support and are always at the end of the phone. 📱
Miriam as ever, remains very focused, always optimistic and is now directing her energy and concentration on getting to the finish line! 🏁
Miriam getting in the icy cold Atlantic Ocean to clean the underneath of her boat . 🧽🚣♀️ 🌊
Miriam has less than 500NM to go!!!
Both Christopher and I would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support. This is all very much appreciated and we do enjoy hearing from you all.
Alison x