Newsletter Update | The Next Phase Begins
- dawnysmiff
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
It’s been just over two weeks since we landed in beautiful Antigua, and what a couple of weeks they’ve been.
The first few days were pretty full-on — unloading, logistics, media, cleaning the boat, and getting our heads around what we’d just achieved. Then came a welcome week of downtime, meeting some truly wonderful people who are all on adventures of their own. That space to pause, reflect, and connect has been really special.
But now… it’s time to get our heads back in the game.
Penny B Is on the Move 🚢
After plenty of back and forth with documentation and ID checks, the big milestone has been reached: Penny B is now safely inside a container and on her way to Miami.
She’ll take roughly a week to cross, and once she arrives stateside the team will regroup and kick off the next phase of the journey.
So Where Is Everyone Right Now?
We’re temporarily spread out — but very much working as one team:
I’m still in Antigua. Not only is it a lovely place to be, but it was important to have someone here in case there were any last-minute issues with the boat or shipping.
Paul has headed to St Kitts, where he’s enjoying a bit of well-earned downtime with friends who flew out to see us land.
Ruth has gone back to Fernandina, juggling normal life at home while also handling some big logistics for what comes next.
One of Ruth’s key jobs is organising the boat trailer, which will need to be towed to the shipping port — a 6–7 hour drive — so we can collect Penny B and be fully set up to launch whenever and wherever the weather allows.
What Happens Next?
The boat is currently expected to arrive in the US on 17th February, so the team will regroup on 16th February, ready for action.
From there, we have a few plans depending on the weather:
Plan A
Launch: Key Biscayne Yacht Club
Row start: 20th February
Arrival: Fernandina Beach, 26–28th February
This would officially complete Leg 2.
Plan B
Launch further north along the coast if the weather window isn’t ideal,
Still aiming for a 26–28th February arrival.
Plan C
If the weather really isn’t playing ball…
👉 we organise a homecoming party for 26–28th February instead!
(Watch this space 😄)
Timeline at a Glance
Boat ships: now
Team regroup: 16th February
Leg 2 launch: 20th February (South Florida)
Arrival Fernandina: 26–28th February
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes, but everything is moving in the right direction. Thank you, as always, for following along, supporting the journey, and being part of this adventure.
More updates soon — and date confirmations coming as soon as the weather lets us decide.
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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