27th June Past 48hrs

Well... after all the planning, preparation, delays and weather watchinge, we're finally back where we belong.

At sea.

Yesterday (25th did I mention my birthday) was, thankfully, a reasonably stress-free day. It was all about those final system checks, making sure everything was exactly as it should be before committing ourselves to the North Atlantic.

One particularly special moment before we left was exchanging yacht club flags. We proudly presented the Royal Burnham Yacht Club flag and also exchanged flags with our friends at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club and the yacht club in Amelia Island. It was a lovely reminder that this journey is about much more than just rowing. It's about connecting communities across the Atlantic and bringing people together through a shared adventure.

At exactly 6:00am local time on the 26th June, Penny B slipped quietly away from the dock.

The conditions couldn't really have been kinder. Clear blue skies, light winds and calm seas greeted us as we headed out through the harbour. It felt almost surreal after spending so many days watching weather forecasts and waiting for the right opportunity.

Around eight hours later we rounded the last headland, leaving the shelter of the coast behind us and pointing Penny B out into the open North Atlantic. As soon as we rounded the top, the conditions reminded us exactly where we were. The wind picked up and swung onto the beam, making for a proper slog. Progress slowed as we worked hard to keep Penny B moving in the right direction, but we're still smiling. After all, this is what we came here for.

Almost immediately the wildlife welcomed us.

We were lucky enough to spot dolphins playing around the boat, and although we couldn't get close enough for a photograph, we could clearly hear whales breathing nearby. It's an incredible sound. Much louder than people imagine and one that instantly reminds you just how alive the ocean really is.

Then came another visitor...

We're fairly sure it was a baby shark cruising alongside the boat for a while.

(And before anyone starts... no, we did not sing the song!)

As I write this, we are just finishing our first full day at sea.

The sun was shining all day yesterday, and despite the strengthening beam wind, we were taking in every moment. We both know every day won't be this dry, warm and sunny, so we're making the most of it while we can.

Every sunset.

Every stroke.

Every breath of fresh sea air.

It feels wonderful to be back where the horizon stretches endlessly in every direction.

The night shift was cold and tough, but thankfully there were no really big waves just yet. It was simply a hard slog. At one point, in the darkness, I heard a dolphin breach nearby. It's such a strange sound when you can't see it—just a sudden rush and splash somewhere out in the blackness. It certainly keeps you on your toes and reminds you that we're sharing this vast ocean with some incredible wildlife.

The adventure has begun.

---

Dawn

“Together Paul and I are rowing home — the long way round.”

Hometown Row

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