Friday 2nd January

(Covering the last 24 hours)

The slog goes on.

We had around 12 hours of northerly winds, which left us with a choice: either accept a beam wind hitting us from the side — uncomfortable and inefficient — or change course. We opted for the course change, which you’ll be able to see clearly on the tracker.

We’re now back on our intended heading, a little closer toward the rhumb line. For anyone wondering what that means, a rhumb line is the most direct, constant compass course between two points. You don’t follow the curve of the Earth — you just hold one heading all the way. It’s not always the fastest route in variable conditions, but when the wind allows, it’s a very satisfying line to be on.

For a while, it was genuinely lovely rowing with a little breeze from behind us. The boat felt lighter, the effort felt rewarded — but, as ever, it didn’t last long. For now, it’s back to the grind.

The good news is that the forecast still suggests 24–48 hours before the elusive trade winds finally kick in. When they do, it should bring a real change of pace.

🐦 An Unexpected Collision

The strangest moment yesterday came courtesy of a long-tailed tropic bird. It swooped so close to the boat that it actually hit us — smacking into the hull right next to Paul’s port-side oar.

It fell briefly into the water, shook itself, then flew off as if nothing had happened. I can only assume it never expected a rowing boat to be sitting out here in its flight path!

🌕 Moonlit Nights

No night-time visitors last night, but it was a beautiful evening. The moon is now virtually full and is keeping the night bright from sunset right through until just before sunrise. It’s so bright it almost feels like daytime — surreal when you’re surrounded by nothing but ocean.

☀️ Heat of the Day

It’s so hot during the day now. With no breeze at all, it’s just as hot on deck as it is in the cabins.

I’ve rigged up a fan for the afternoon shift, when the sun is at its fiercest and beats straight onto the stern cabin door. I’ve also put a foil cover in the doorway to try and deflect some of the heat, which does help — but ultimately, there’s no escaping it.

And finally…

It’s Pineapple Friday 🍍

So I may just treat myself to a proper fruit breakfast.

Dawn

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

Hometown Row

Leg 1 – La Gomera to Antigua

Leg 2 – Antigua to Florida

Leg 3 – Canada to the UK

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🌐 Or visit the website: www.rowaurora.co.uk