Corporate sponsor ParadiseBet
10 Jan, 06 - 20:03
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
ADDITIONAL NOTE FROM ROZ' MOTHER:
Roz phoned me first thing this morning to say that she had had a comment that she had been too frank about her financial situation in this dispatch. The main reason that she wrote as she did was to show that if a person really wants to do an "adventure", they do not need to have an unlimited supply of money behind them. It is the determination to carry out the dream that is the vital ingredient, the rest will hopefully follow. Once the dream becomes reality it is that determination that is so vital too! Meanwhile she does need to rely on the help that others give, not only the finances but the messages of encouragement for when the going gets tough
Question from a texter: 'How does one live day to day when planning an adventure like yours? How does one feed onself? What about money?'
It's terribly un-British to talk about one's finances, but you did ask, so here goes...
I wouldn't be here, on this fine boat on this big blue ocean, if it weren't for the kindness and generosity of countless individuals who have chipped in what they can to help me on my way. I am grateful to each and every one of them.
I've been preparing for this full-time for 14 months - pitching for sponsorship, fitting the boat out, training, researching, etc. During this time I've had no regular income.
My living expenses are modest - I don't own a house or a car, or have any dependents. I usually manage to live rent-free: homes in the last couple of years have included a very Dickensian garrett above a shop, an office, and various housesits. Most of my clothes come from charity shops, in keeping with my recycling philosophy. I also count some wonderfully generous people among my long-suffering friends, who give me hospitality, buy me dinner, and generally give me moral support.
The boat costs and my living costs have come out of my savings from my previous more affluent life, supplemented by income from sponsorship - some of it corporate, but much of it from friends, acquaintances and even total strangers. Donors have varied from the woman who works in the local bakery to wealthy businessmen.
They just happen to be interested or inspired by what I'm doing, or some of them even wish they were doing something similar themselves, and by supporting me they can become a part of my adventure.
Some people slip me cash, some use the PayPal link on this website, and a couple of generous souls have even set up standing orders to support this and future ventures.
Because this isn't a one-off. I hope to make a financially sustainable future out of adventuring, through writing, photography and speaking engagements. I've already written a book about my travels in Peru (manuscript completed, but haven't got around to putting it out to agents or publishers yet). I have plans to spend much of 2006-2007 travelling around North America for another book (a quirky theme, based on a song - details coming soon).
And I also have a plan for another Very Big Adventure, to be announced probably in March. That one should, I hope, establish my reputation and pave the way for my career as adventurer and speaker.
At the moment I'm out here on a wing and a prayer, but like my faith miles, I carry on doing what feels right in the belief that it will all come right in the end.
Catching up on backlog of texts from yesterday and today...
HSS: thanks for the anagrams - Rosalind Savage = Vandal Ergo Sis or A Naval Dog Rises, Sean Chapple of Polar Quest - thanks for the message - hope your preps going well
From OULRC 1989: Natalie - glad the WaterRower is getting some use in my absence, and Penny - don't worry about not knowing what to say - just nice to know you're thinking of me
From Kew/Richmond - Steve S, Will -- well done on Oxford place - maybe you can take up rowing?!
Pauline, Nic, Sarah W, Martin T, John T (lap of honour - no way!), DB, Mark R, Guy, Sam K, Andrew V (I did find those tranquil waters - seems a long way back now, though), John from Galway, Steve Maskell (pat on the back much appreciated), Karen Luscombe (glad to find someone who appreciates my sense of humour!)
Rita Savage's PS:
As Roz approaches the 1000th mile, our thanks today to those who have sponsored miles with their donations as follows:
999 B Yates
1000 Mr T Molins
1001 Mrs Molins
1002 Anne Molins
1003 Indie Molins
Wind: N
Weather: sunshine and cloud, occasional shower
Sea state: moderate to rough
Hours rowing: 14
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Comments [0]
9 Jan, 06 - 19:40
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
Most of today was sluggish and sloggish - slogging along for very little reward. These are what I've come to think of as 'faith miles' - not necessarily productive in themselves, but you have to put in the effort in the faith that it will eventually be rewarded.
And rewarded they were - at about 4pm, heralded by a squall and a quick cold shower, I was suddenly back in the sweet water, and it was all the sweeter for the slogging.
I don't know if it was the force of all the texts, or even just the thoughts, of people wishing me sweet water, but just in case, thank you all very much, keep up the good work, and let's see if we can get me to Antigua before the end of February!
In haste, getting back to the oars while the going is good...
Rita Savage's PS:
Very grateful thanks from Roz and myself to all those who are supporting her with their words and their messages of encouragement. Many of you have spoken of the inspiration she has given you to cope with your everyday situations.
We also very much appreciate the gifts of money that have been sent, and some regular payments, either to help Roz with the costs of the voyage, or as donations to the Princes Trust. Every bit helps. I know that some people are not in a position to donate as they are already committed to other causes; just knowing that they are interested in Roz is a gift in itself. I do enjoy reading the messages from various parts of the world that have been coming to Roz via the links on her website www.rozsavage.com
Thank you to one and all for your continuing interest and concern – continue to urge her on her way!. Rita Savage.
Wind: NE
Weather: sunshine and cloud, occasional shower
Sea state: calm earlier, rough later
Hours rowing: 14
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The ocean got camera shy - this is my best attempt at capturing what I mean by 'sweet water'.
8 Jan, 06 - 22:16
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
I've been asked to clarify what I meant yesterday by 'sweet water'. With apologies to Mr Tiny Little for appropriating and possibly misinterpreting his phrase, what I mean by it is big friendly waves rolling in the right direction.
If the baddies are the hit-and-run drivers/waves that smash you upside the head and then race off without a word of apology, these waves are the good samaritans of the road, gentle giants that pick up a hitch-hiking solo rower, carry her a few yards and then deposit her a little closer to Antigua, moving on with a gentle fizz of dispersing bubbles.
They are to be blessed, and I've taken to giving an appreciative 'ooh', 'aah', or 'waheyyy' when they come along, just to let Mother Nature know I've noticed her generosity and in the hope that she'll send a few more my way.
Thanks again for all texts, especially to Romy - you flatter me, my dear, I'm not a wise woman yet, but I'm working on it, and hopefully a little wiser every day. Big thanks also to Tiny, for his helpful and encouraging words - yes, I, too, feel like I'm starting to get the hang of this ocean rowing lark at this stage. And my cabin isn't always that messy, honest - I had just been Matron-ed! And thanks to the other regulars too.
Wind: NE, force not known as nav instrument still not working
Weather: sunshine and cloud
Sea state: rough
Hours rowing: 10
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Trying to fix the electrics. This is what lurks behind my nice neat control panel - gives me the heebie-jeebies.
7 Jan, 06 - 21:44
For GPS position, race position and miles from La Gomera, see http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk
I hear that All Relative are about to arrive in Antigua. Well done, the boys from Beer! Lucky they had me to keep them on their toes, eh?
Some questions from a regular texter:
Q: what has surprised you most so far?
A: how flippin' hard this is! I thought I was really well prepared, and I knew it would be hard, but not THIS hard. But I'm still here and still rowing, so I guess I must be up to it - if I wasn't at the start, I am now.
Q: will you be a little sad when this is over?
A: at the moment I don't even know how I'll feel tomorrow, let alone when I reach Antigua, so hard to say. At the moment I think my overriding feeling will be relief, but who knows, maybe there will be a tinge of sadness, and a bit of nostalgia for the solitude and the independence.
Q: how is the spare tyre?
A: cheeky! Since Sid the sea anchor came back on board and I stopped lazing around eating chocolate all day, I think the spare tyre has deflated somewhat. Let's hope so, because the bag of clothes my mother is bringing out to Antigua won't fit me otherwise!
Other stuff:
The weather continues rough but favourable here. The incredible bendy oar gave up the ghost today and has been relegated to guardrail duties.
Still can't get the Simrad navigation instrument working - checked the connections (see photo) but no joy. Suspect water inside, as display all steamed up. Pain, because without knowing my speed over ground I don't know what rowing techniques are working and what aren't. Stereo has also ceased to function - again, suspect water to blame. Can only hope things may work again if/when they dry out.
Thanks for all the texts: Sorrel, Pauline, Mark R, HSS, Sam K (thanks for reassurance on technique), John T, R Westcott, Richard Y & Penny, Eddie-Lee, MBE Putney, and two blasts from the past - John Wild and Duncan Coneybeare.
A good question from John W: '100 days solitary confinement and hard labour - what did you do wrong?!'
Wind: E to NE, force not known Weather: sunshine and showers
Sea state: rough
Hours rowing: 9
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