We take our final bow 16:58.900N 61:44.800W
Row Across The Pond
Richard Hoyland and Steve Coe
Mon 22 Mar 2010 01:34
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Steve and Rich...
As we post this blog two tired but content ocean rowers
are approaching the island of Antigua tracking the light of Cape Shirley
lighthouse.
We might think the time is nearing that our 3 year
journey concludes as the last few miles to are Antigua are completed.
But we would be wrong, We started our
campaign nearly three years ago and the main event of
rowing from one side of the Atlantic Ocean to the other is only 20 odd miles
away from being completed.
However, we know this journey will be remembered by us for
many years thanks to the unending support from many quarters.
The build up to event has been tough and within difficult
recession times it has not been easy. Our challenge seemed to
spark great interest amongst our community and we would
like to express our gratitude to the following...in no particular
order
For the signage to our boat we would like to thank DMA signs
of Leatherhead, especially Graeme who was so accomodating and helpful to get the
stickers together as they were needed....
Cath Allaway, for the hours of advice on how to row the big
water and putting up with a rowing newbie, enough to get him across in one
piece
Andrew Edwards, for the constant support, you don't know how
profound your messages were during the darkest days, we can never thank you
enough
David and Jax Wilson, for causing some much pleasure,
pain and grief with the daily stats and constant messages of
support ;-) they were an esential part of our campaign
Gabriel, your jokes and messages were a constant comfort and
it was you I believe that introduced us to eating the elephant
Pete Warren, for the sports and news update...couldn't
have lived without football info.
Hannah Levin, for the trivia and jokes to help in the dark
moments
Fiona at CNP, for the text messages of support
Hans, for sharing your experience of the sea and ocean
weather...you were totally correct, we should have gone South from the start, we
hang our heads in shame
James Glaysher, for the comprehensive weather reports that
helped us battle the elements
The team at Bupa, who supported Richard with a fantastic
farewell party and constant support during the row, even Annie for her
cheesy jokes :-) Without the support of Bupa it wouldn't have been
possible. Special thanks to Iain Colledge for sorting out the Bupa blog
pages
The guys at Robbins Timber, for essential supplies of paint,
plywood and fibreglass to help upgrade the boat
Pete Ronald of Sphere for being
a most enthusiastic supporter to our extreme challenge...thanks
Pete and look forward to our next meeting as always...
Rex Resorts for providing accomodation to our families in
Antigua. This is a fantastic and lovely facilty to welcome us and our
families on arrival..
Brookcourt for their support to our campaign, without
which we may have had to compromise on the quality of safety equipment and
that means alot to us and our families..
Sam Jordan and Simon Jordan,, Surrey Litho for
providing such fantastic enthusiasm to our dream and more obviously the tireless efforts that went into organising two
great fancy dress parties..
Mike Hickey of Building Supplies for providing essential tools
at the last minute and of course Gary for machining components for the boat.
Byfleet Boat Club members (including Rodney) for accomodating
and entertaining us whilst we restored our boat in their boat
house..
The Patni, Sapient and iGate teams who supported us with the
funds required to purchase essential equipment
Barbara Clarke for weather info and
keeping B+ B+
Stew Allan for his technical support and engineering
expertise,
The Feedstation for carbohydrate drinks,,
The Nevilles for just being great, enthusiastic
& oarsome rigger makers.
David Sarjent for his tireless PR campaign.
Simon Yates, My business partner for holding fort of CY
Landscapes.. Ta,, two beers,at least on me,,,
Our parents..Gill Hoyland, who let me out late to row an ocean
;-) told you I'd be back safe and well. To the family in Scotland, see you real
soon, my laminated picture of you guys on a mountain stood the test of
time
Steve's Mum, Dad, Sister and Brothers(and
Nephews) for not stopping him going out to row an ocean, and for the caring
support
Also, we have received many many many emails from all over the
world, If we have made one person smile then that has made it all
worthwhile......thank you and goodnight, tonight
we store our oars for the final time and bid farewell to the
Atlantic.
Finally there remains two people who should be titled the
unsung heroes for keeping the families together whilst we sun ourselves in a big
swimming pool..
CLAIR AND LOU
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