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Update from Cliff 3 Dec 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-12-03T22:25:35+02:00

As I sit writing this it’s 6.30 am on Thursday morning and Moose is about to film me waking Pete with his morning cup. Pete’s energy levels are up and he is eating flat out again. The knowledge that his Kim is coming has given him extra verve after the long preparation, and the waiting for the start.

It’s almost a given, the Woodvale Trans-Atlantic rowing race is not going to start on time. We heard last night from Simon, the race organizer, that they have not been able to get flares. There is a meeting scheduled for 9 am this morning where a vote will be taken. The main problem is that there are no white flares. It is possible to purchase flares in Spain but they only sell orange and red distress flares and not white ones. White flares are used as signal or warning flares and are vital when you are in a small rowing boat and about to be run over by a ship. There is a lot of emotion around the race village and a lot of opinion. Small groups chatting and sharing their thoughts in hushed voices. We know which way we will vote today after discussing it last night - we decided no compromise. [Ed: It was confirmed today. Start will be on Wednesday.]

Below is a picture of the row locks or gates which Pete will use to attach his oars to the boat. They were made specially for him by Fabkomp in East London. Fabkomp also supported Pete and Bill’s 07/08 race. This time around the company made the row locks, Pete’s special seat holders (of lightweight aluminium) and a beautiful dolly or hand trailer which helps us move the boat without need for a car. There has been huge interest and respect shown for these products – the rowers seem to be really impressed by Pete’s set up.

We now have our AIS (Automatic Identification System) fitted and there were a few tense moments when the GPS did not pick up the satellites. We moved the boat from where it was parked and suddenly there were satellites everywhere! Pete’s trusty Garmin is now working like a dream.

We finished the day with an evening out with the solo rowers. Everyone enjoyed the restaurant and the food was stunning. The evening was full of laughter, fun and banter and Pete and Charlie (Pitcher) teasing each other non-stop.

The most interesting conversation I overheard was between Pete and a guy called Mike who is over to help out the Jersey crew. He said to Pete, “You and Charlie are friends but I can see that when you hit the water it’s going to be a race to watch. I can also see that should you ever need to stop racing to ensure the safety and support of each other you would not hesitate. I really admire you two for this.” He said, “ You are true heroes in my mind.” I thought that Mike summed up the friendships forged between these gladiators of the oceans rather well. Fierce competitors who also caring and thoughtful for the needs of others. Real men, I thought.

Mike presented us with a sketch of Liberty Nyamezela set against a South African flag – with the words: “If anyone can, a South African can.”

Race start delayed

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-12-03T12:50:06+02:00

It was announced today (Thursday) that, as the flares have not yet arrived, the start of the race will be delayed until next Wednesday 9 December.

Update from Cliff 2 Dec 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-12-02T21:47:47+02:00

Pre-race preps are hotting up. Nearly all the boats have been launched but we are still on dry land. Yesterday we placed the dagger board and polished the bottom with hull coat so Liberty Nyamezela is shining and ready to go in. As I write the Woodvale electricians are on board fitting the AIS (Automatic Identification System). This is a mandatory unit on ocean-going watercraft that allows boats, even small ones, show up on the radar of larger ships. It is important to prevent boats from getting run over. It helps solo rowers like Pete as they need to sleep and can’t always keep an eye out.

Moose the camera man and his sound ‘fluffer’ holder wife, Jules, are working flat out. We have started to feel like movie stars … “please say that again” and “go back and walk this way”. We’ve been the cause of many a detour and extended conversation. Moose is great to have around and is excellent at what he does. Don’t we all know, those of us who have watched ‘90 Minutes to Antigua’?

Pete’s spirit is high and he is focused. We are looking good. The only problem now is the mystery over the whereabouts of Jim the watermaker guy Pete flew out from the UK. He has disappeared … rumor has it he is in hospital in Tenerife and has had an operation but nobody has heard from him in days. His family are concerned, as we are, for his well-being. We also need his expertise to sort out the watermaker. Without it, no row for Pete. The Woodvale organizers say that they will help which is great. The delayed flares may result in the race starting on Tuesday. We hope not but we will know for sure soon.

We have a dinner tonight for the solo rowers and I wrote a short poem in their honour, based on what Pete has been experiencing and what I think these guys will face. Here it is:

Dear men, warriors of the ocean.
I stand before you honored, honored to have met you and been a small part of your quests.
Like the knights of old you fitted your armour and prepared your steeds.
You have held your sword as oars and I leave you with this message.
Row forth onto the desert ocean, place your fears of the unknown out on the end of your oars just as the ninja knights did on the end of their swords.
Know that it takes a real warrior to stand alone with his fear and by admitting his weaknesses, he turns them into his strengths.
Know your truths warriors, for it is only then that you will be safe from the sweet voices of the maidens of the deep, calling to you with their false promises, calling you to the rocks.
Only in your truth will you be able to keep them at bay and only then will you know the sweet taste of victory on your quest.
Remember that, hundreds of years ago sailors with less left these exact shores and the safety of their families to venture onto this very ocean.
They too felt what you feel now.
They returned heroes as you will be and are in my eyes.
Be vulnerable, be strong my friends, you warriors of the oceans!

Update from Cliff 1 Dec 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-12-01T21:24:43+02:00

Well, it’s hotting up here in St Sebastian, La Gomera. Boats are getting launched daily and we are due to be put in to the water on Wednesday. We still have to put Nyamezela’s hull coat on. This is a polish which, like anti-fouling, will restrict sea growth on Nyamezela’s hull below the waterline while she is on the water. Sea growth happens very quickly and can slow the boat speed dramatically, making it difficult to row. Every three days Pete will go over board and clean her bottom. Not very lady-like and very un-dignified for our special lady but very necessary.

We had a small setback yesterday and are waiting to find out what the outcome is. Jim, the water maker expert who Pete has flown in specially from the UK to make sure his water maker was ok, went to the fancy dress party on Saturday, had a little too much and fell, hitting his head on the ground. He was knocked out stone cold and was taken to hospital by ambulance and kept under observation before being airlifted to Tenerife for further tests. We hope he will be out soon. Latest news is that he spoke to one of the other rowers and said he is OK. We hope so and wish him a speedy recovery. We will be in a real pickle without him.

Yesterday, Pete’s wife Kim made a decision to come to the start and see him off. I think it’s a great move as Pete will not being seeing her for a long time and this will really make a huge difference to his row and their time apart. Kim will be arriving on Friday midday. Pete has been taking strain on this front - his spirits are already lifted and his mood has changed with a huge smile permanently on his face … I wonder why.

Nic ‘Moose’ Good and Jules, his wife and sound technician, arrived last night. Moose is the owner of Fresh Air Crew, a film company that specializes in making adventure documentaries and films. He is making Pete’s movie and his filming also helps with the build up to the start. Moose made the last movie of Pete and Bill’s 07/08 race ‘90 minutes to Antigua’. If you don’t have a copy buy one – it so worth watching – just make sure you have tissues ready!

It is quite interesting to see how Pete will be living – his approach is very minimalist. We have packed the boat and there is a lot of space left. It’s clear Pete knows what he needs and wants and what he does not want for this race. Other boats seem very crowded and heavy, almost overloaded.

The race organizer Simon came to chat yesterday and hinted that the start may be delayed as a storm is expected to hit the island on Saturday and the race will not start in those sort of conditions. The other problem is that the flares which the rowers have to take with them have not arrived. They are explosive and are sent as hazardous cargo. The paperwork was not quite correct and they were left on the ship which ended up in Cape Town. South African officials also refused them to allow them to land. So they are on the way back to London. In the meantime Simon has been trying to fly or drive new flares in but it’s not looking good. Two Manchester-based firemen who are rowing the race also tried to help. We are holding thumbs – without flares there will be no race. Safety comes first and no rower will be permitted to leave the harbour without proper safety equipment.

I must go off to the kitchen to make tuna mayonnaise sandwiches for Pete. With all the work and excitement it’s been hard to keep him eating but his weight is looking good. So is mine but I don’t have an ocean to row to lose it.

Update from Cliff 30 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-30T21:32:26+02:00

On Saturday we had a slow start but managed to do a job which has been worrying Pete for some time. We put Nyamezela’s dagger board in place and checked the fit. The dagger board is situated in the front cabin and is so long that it can only be fitted from under the boat. We pushed the boat to the water’s edge near a spot where the charter boats launch and board. We found a set of stairs down to the water and this allowed us to push the boat’s nose far enough over the edge to enable us to do the job nicely. We then had a thorough inspection of her underside and she looks great. The daggerboard fits even if it is a bit tight and sticky. It should loosen up when it has water on it. Pete is using a daggerboard to stop the rocking motion he and Bill experienced last time and also to allow him to put the boat on a course while he sleeps. If there is a side wind he can actually use it to move or drift forward just like a keeled yacht would.

That job done we both needed a swim and an afternoon nap back at the apartment. On the walk home we discussed starting a pre-race detox. No more alcohol for Pete, and lots of fruit and veggies to prep his body for the row. We had no sooner decided this than we were off to the fancy dress party. Pete had brought some blow-up aliens from Fusion, a sponsor of Nyamezela’s sound equipment for the boat. So we mounted them on some inflatable travel pillows, put on some green tops, made some feelers out of foam and went as little green foreigners (aliens!). The rowers really went all out with cowboys and sumo wrestlers. One fours team made a boat out of cardboard boxes. They had a navigation light, rudder, the works. Race owner Simon and fellow solo rower Charlie dressed in drag (Charlie borrowed his mom’s dress). After sampling the seafood paella we left early to attempt a good night’s sleep after a very late night on Friday. I’m so glad we did as rowdy partygoers were out in the streets at 2 am this morning. Poor Pete isn’t sleeping well.

It’s amazing how a race of this nature can fascinate people all over the world. I have a brother who teaches English in Japan and we have arranged for some of his pupils to chat to Pete when he is in the middle of the Atlantic (literally on the other side of the world). Well, in an email yesterday, my brother said that his pupils wanted to know what food Pete is going to eat. Well Pete will eat expedition freeze-dried food as his main meals, three times a day. Each meal is 800 calories. Breakfast is muesli or porridge with strawberries or raisins. His lunch and supper are a range of flavours from spaghetti bolognaise to Thai chicken. He will always have a pudding after each meal or in between meals for extra calories. He also has his ‘dankie tannie’ packets which have the following assorted goodies (sponsored by Vincent Park Spar: sugar-coated fruit sticks, chocolate bars, glucose sweets, Sugas sweets, raisins, biltong and nuts. There is also an assortment of flavoured energy drinks for his water bottles. It’s like a party pack for a big kid! He will also use special protein shakes during his evening rows and between meals. Pete has packed his food into separate compartments and each meal will be a lucky dip. He will put his hand in and what he grabs, he eats. His watermaker will be used to make the water required to rehydrate the food, and mix up the shakes. In the heat he’ll be drinking a lot of water too. He also has five litres of olive oil and he will drink a few millilitres each day to boost his calorie count. The Japanese will relate the soy sauce and wasabi that he is taking along. Pete will be trailing a fishing line and if he catches a fish he will enjoy sushi with the chopsticks which he also packed.

I am now off to massage Pete’s back which he says is feeling stiff and painful. It’s a bit of a worry actually, but it may be because of all the pre-race tension he is shouldering.

Update from Cliff 28 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-28T22:55:49+02:00

Yesterday was, I would say, the best day so far - the race is getting closer and Pete has moved past his low ebb of the day before. We spent the morning fitting the rowing seat and making sure the rails were clean and the bushes ran smoothly. The seat slides back and forth and it is vital that the mechanism which allows Pete to push the seat with each oar stroke is smooth and trouble free. He will be cleaning the mechanism after every shift of rowing and ensure that it is well-lubricated. The rowing seat is, after all, like the clutch system of the boat - with Pete as the engine. Pete has to generate the right kind of torque to race strong and safe and everything needs to be just right with these particular moving parts.

When Pete rows he puts his feet into a pair of white, very bling rowing shoes(they are white because when he gets into the tropics a black shoe would cook his feet). Remember that there is no shade on the deck at any point of the race (rowers are not allowed to use anything that might be deemed a sail to give them an unfair advantage). So, it’s a choice between having roasting feet or being blinded by the white – thank goodness for his Vuarnet sunglasses to keep deck and shoe glare under control! The shoes are attached to the boat with bolts. The right shoe pivots at the toe and is connected to a bar that controls the rudder and thus allows Pete to steer Nyamezela. At the beginning of each rowing shift, Pete ties himself in and sits on as many foam sheets as he can. One of the main issues concerning Pete is the care of his buttocks because spending so much time sitting on his bum causes pressure sores. This is not only painful but dangerous as no sore heals properly in the perpetually damp conditions. The custom made bum balm that he has brought all the way from East London will go some way to fending off discomfort but bum care will be top of his list as he rows.

After we tested and re-tested the sea, we unpacked the entire boat and laid out all the equipment Pete will need for the scrutiny next to her. Pete is really organised and has far less clutter than any other boat I have seen. At midday we took a well-deserved swim with the other rowers. It was a great bonding session - lots of messing about and joking and banter.

We are both missing our quiet homes back in South Africa. We are staying in a lovely apartment which is situated on the town square and overlooks the beach. We sleep with the balcony door open, to enjoy the fresh sea air. Last night, as it has for the past two nights, the local disco let rip at 3 am and we were tested by the bass beat that went on until 5 am. Dirt trucks, street sweepers and cars joined the din and Pete and I battled to sleep. No soon was I nodding off when there was a feeble attempt at a blood transfusion by a local mosquito. If there is something the Spanish need to do it is to beef up the mozzies here. This one came in sounding like it was riding a Vespa scooter - nothing like our Mig squadrons from home. One solid clap to my head as it buzzed my ear and it was history. Peace at last. Barring the human noise and merriment, of course.

We pulled a fun move yesterday. As Liberty Nyamezela is made of carbon fibre she is very, very light for her size and nothing does more to a rower’s head than knowing a competitor’s boat is lighter than his. So, after we removed all the provisions except the food, I casually strolled to the front and lifted her up. The average boat weighs between 300 and 400 kg. Nyamezela must be somewhere in the 180 kg range and to see her lifted off her trolley got some broad smiles and lots of heads shaking. Pete naturally also had a go to show it was as easy as it looked and then a few other guys wanted to check if we were serious and had a go too. Well it’s a fact … she is light!

We left the boat ready to be checked and that’s what will be happening today. We will then have a list to complete and we will have next week to tie up any odds and ends and get Nyamezela on the water.

Again, thanks for all the messages and yes, please keep them coming. Pete is feeling strong and the days are counting down. Scrutiny will be a big hurdle tomorrow (Saturday). We had a good chat to Charlie and have arranged to have dinner together before the race starts. The energy between the rowers is far less about being competitors than being fellow rowers and friends. But there is a race and somebody must win – let’s hold thumbs that it’s our Pete.

Update from Cliff 27 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-27T23:18:10+02:00

Today has been a difficult one for Pete and he woke at 3 this morning with the sound of drunk rowers returning from a party. We all know the ‘three o’clock can’t go back to sleep’ feeling too well.

Well that was Pete … ping … wide awake with his head going home to Africa, his darling wife Kim aka THE LEGEND and his dear Baba Hannah. Can you imagine the feeling of preparing for the most important job interview and the interview keeps getting put off day after day or worst still, knowing that you love somebody beyond your comprehension and you are choosing to remove yourself from them, place yourself in a dangerous and lonely place and not see them for 90 days (three whole months). Try this: NO chocolate for the next three months, no car, no friends, no one to hold or touch, no one to see! No fridge, no bed, no shops … nothing but a boat, a radio and sat phone, a pair of oars and open ocean. I dare you try the chocolate and see how hard it is. Try the rest and see how really unbearable it becomes. Yes that’s what Pete is about to put himself through. Having said all this today was reality day … it all hit Pete at 3 am this morning. Did his heart miss a beat? Of course. Is he afraid? Of course. He knows only too well what he is putting him and his family through and it hurt him like hell! So why should we feel sorry for him, I hear some say - he chose to do it. Well, sure, but this man is a human has feelings and although he rows and paddles like a machine he feels deeply. So when we say keep the news from home coming, we really truly mean it. Today was what Pete called his wall day it had to come and it came on dry land with support. Pete has also worked non-stop on this project and the ocean and the water are what are calling now! Waiting is not what he has trained for.

On the preparation side of things (not that the emotional stuff is not preparation) Nyamezela had her stickers placed yesterday and just like any warrior preparing for any war or ceremony she has her war paint on and looks the part. Virgin Atlantic took pride of place on the forward cabin roof. Virgin has given Pete free flights and went the extra mile to make us comfortable, and helped immensely when we lost our baggage at OR Tambo Airport in Jo’burg.

The Suunto sticker went below the trusty Suunto compass which Pete will watch day in and day out for the entire race. It’s will be the only way he knows which way to row as he crosses the ocean facing backwards. There’s another Virgin Atlantic stickder to the left side if you facing the aft cabin. I think it’s to remind him his wife and kid are flying safely and quickly to see him in Antigua.

Liberty’s branding was painted on the entire boat and this boat has by far the best sponsors’ branding in the race thanks to them. After the stickers were stuck and a bit more boat pottering and some shopping Pete and I took a short swim, a walk and well-deserved slow afternoon napping and resting. We have not stopped since leaving SA and this was needed.

We are contemplating bringing the scrutiny forward so we have time to act on any problems. We will keep you updated on that.

It’s also important for Pete to let you all know that this race would have been very different without his sponsors’ support and as supporters of Pete I’d like to encourage you to support his sponsors and his chosen charity. Please take a look at who they are on this website and next time you may need their services, let them know why you have chosen to use them.

We noticed that there has to date been a disappointing response to Liberty’s buy-a-km campaign and we think maybe that’s because some of you don’t know about it or are waiting for the race to start. Please check it out and support it! See www.own-your-life.co.za

Update from Cliff 26 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-26T22:31:30+02:00

We have been here 3 days now and it feels like weeks. It’s great to see the ‘to do’ list get a lot shorter. There are more words scratched out than readable which means we must be doing something right. Today we spend the day unpacking the entire boat and doing a mini scrutiny on ourselves. This meant finding everything and ticking it off the list Woodvale sent Pete. The two main items missing are a handheld bilge pump (looks a bit like a prawn pump or a very large bike pump with pipes running off it) and 50 metres of (tow) rope. The rope we can get locally and the bilge pump will be brought from London by Jim. Jim is Pete’s water maker agent who Pete is flying out, as he did last time, to check that the watermaker is working. He is also going to helping a few other competitors while he is here. After we had done the unpacking and checking we had ourselves a great to do list which consisted of
To buy:
2 x pencils
1 x tow line 50 m
1 x 500ml water bottle with water for the grab bag
2 x chocolate bars
1 bag glucose sweets
4 spare round watch batteries.

To fix and do:
Secure throw line
Make tow line strop
Make parachute anchor retrieval line
Laminate/waterproof all charts
Fix bilge pump handle
Fix rudder brake line
Fit 2 x knives and 2 x axes, one each in the cabin and one each outside the cabin.

We managed to achieve most of these tasks today. of this and I won’t tell you what it’s all about except to say that to fix means to secure it all to the boat so that Pete does not lose it overboard. We use a very clever system of zip ties with a little bracket which we apoxy onto the boat.

Pete is very positive but admits to having huge butterflies in his tummy… a lot of them. He is acutely aware, more so than any of the other rowers, what lies ahead. The loneliness, the raw bum and the painful claw hands … I think this makes the apprehension worse for him than the other competitors. One thing which makes me feel relieved is his ability to voice this and show his feelings. If he was holding the butterflies in it would only be more energy sapping. He is an amazingly positive guy as we all know and turns each butterfly into an eagle (perhaps that should that be albatross?). Either way they are flying high and looking good, are strong and enduring. Pete is all this.

One thing that also needs to be said is his support base is so important to not only him but his wife Kim and daughter Hannah (his baba). You guys have been awesome … DON’T STOP WITH THE MESSAGES - HE NEEDS THEM! Kim is so awesomely supportive of Pete and you can see this by the way the his face lights up when I hand him the phone to him saying “Pete, it’s Kim.” He is a very lucky man!

I am getting to know the other rowers between working on the boat and walking past them. Dave, our neighbour, is doing well - his boat is nearly ready for checking but he still has a few issues to resolve. James our other neighbour passed scrutiny yesterday and is all ready to go. He is re-packing his boat and making sure everything is in the right place. Nyamezela will be scrutinized next week when Moose will be here to record the process.

There was huge excitement yesterday as Charlie put his prototype boat in the water. It weighs only 550kg and according to people who saw it, took only four strokes to cross the harbour. I wonder how he will feel when he sees Pete do it in two. ;-)

Yesterday we had a talk on para anchor deployment. In a nutshell the anchor is a 12 foot wide parachute which Pete will use if he is drifting off course and needs to maintain his boat in a certain sea position. It will not be used in storms as it can be very difficult to retrieve and can hold the boat upside down in the event of a capsize. It will mainly be used in winds up to about 35 knots and it will help keep Nyamezela bow (front) to wind or stern (back) to wind whichever Pete needs at the time. We were also shown drogue deployment and use. A drogue looks like a windsock you find at a helipad or airport. Pete will use this when he stops to sleep or rest - it will also hold the boat in position but will not stop the boat. He will also use this in storms to maintain his direction.

So again after a hard day’s work we packed up the office, took our briefcase and headed for the beach for a refreshing swim in the 23 deg water. Then it was off to do emails and we were in bed lights out at 9 pm.

It’s again another awesome, clear, sunny day here. The town is woken by the dirt trucks who do the rounds sweeping the streets so that when everybody wakes it’s as if the entire town has had a shave, shampoo and good all round wash! It really does sparkle - there is not one bit of litter.

If there are any questions you may have please send them in message format and I will do my best to answer them. I look forward to the questions and really need them to help me give you the info you are lusting for. So get them coming.

Update from Cliff 25 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-25T22:29:52+02:00

Yesterday (Tuesday) was a good day as far as boat prep and getting Pete closer to his goal … rowing!

We started the day by placing the scuppers. These are small covers that go over the draining holes made in the deck so that if water should, and it will, come onto the deck it can drain out through special holes. The scuppers are like valve flaps that stop the sea from coming back into the boat. While Pete did that I finished off strapping his dankie tannie packets (the black bags in the photo). They needed to be tightly taped closed so his treats aren’t ruined if there’s a capsize.

By the time that was done it was time to do our medical kit scrutiny. This is done by the race owner and organiser’s mother. She is a registered nurse and a very sweet lady. The process was simple - we had been given a list of requirements and we had to make sure we had all the medication, bandages and equipment to help him should something go wrong. It is interesting that there is a lot of emphasis placed on fungus prevention - clearly because as an ocean rower you are pretty much wet all the time. In a previous race a team of four rowers had to pull out because they all such bad athlete’s foot their lives were in danger! To my surprise there was very little emphasis on trauma stuff. I would have included suture material - the list included steristrips but not artery clamps. Both of these are to stop big cuts. I am glad though that Liberty Nyamezela has everything we can think of padded and covered so that Pete has little chance of cutting himself.

Anyway, as far as the medical kit was concerned we found out we were missing a low-reading rectal thermometer. This is used to check for hypothermia. We initiated a hunt back in Cape Town but it seems they’re not widely available. We eventually went back and said as much, and were directed to a team who had two rectal thermometers and no normal one. We’ve arranged a swap that will be in everyone’s interests. Just have to ‘import’ a normal thermometer now.

After that we spent the rest of another hot day placing the two fire extinguishers: one inside the cabin and one outside in the foot well just outside the cabin.

The cabin bilge pump was fitted next - the pump inlet is on the roof and is used in case of a capsize. If this happens and a hatch is open the cabin will fill with water. The pump enables the rower to pump the roof dry and right the boat. Fitting this turned out to be a little more challenging than expected. The hose we had bought along was too small so off we went to the local hardware store to get a bigger one. This then meant that the drill bit Pete had brought was too small. However, after much huffing and puffing the boere made a plan and we heated the new pipe with Pete’s gas cooker and managed to force it through the smaller hole. The final result was better than we could have imagined - a large hose in a small hole and no chance of a leak.

That done we then got on to fitting the bags which are attached to the walls inside the cabin and act as a sort of kangaroo pouch to keep cloths and stuff close at hand. Disaster! After we had fitted them we noticed that Pete had drilled holes right through the boat and we had two screws sticking out. Fortunately it was quick to repair by borrowing some filler putty from our neighbours and our holey boat was fixed. A neatly placed reflective sticker hides the repair!

The last chore yesterday was spent packing the boat with the dankie tannie packets. They are all stowed in the large floor hatch under Pete’s bed.

The heat is really bad here but the most amazing thing is we can spend the whole day in the sun without a T-shirt and not get a tan at all. The sun is simply not as vicious as it is in South Africa!

We finished the day with our usual swim in the sea and an ice cold beer at the local pub run by Manuel. He is a legend amongst the rowers and warmly welcomes them. His pub is full of race history and a SA flag hangs on the wall with Pete and Bill’s names below it (after their win in 07/08)!

Today (Wednesday) will be a biggie. We are going to unpack the entire boat of all its equipment and make sure that, when our turn comes to be checked, we have it all. No doubt there are going to be a few ‘oh **** ‘ moments. Let’s hope it doesn’t require another La Gomera treasure hunt. We are holding thumbs that we did our groundwork. To date it has been a well-planned campaign.

The sun has now risen and it’s another beautiful day in La Gomera. I must go now and make Pete his sandwiches and food to make him big and strong. Today it’s avo sandwiches again and local sausage with fruit and knock-you-dead brownies from Home! I’ll also ensure Pete has his two bone and joint building tabs and make some breakfast - how’s that for service?

Pete is getting all his emails and good wishes. It is part of our ritual to sit in Manuel’s pub, beer in hand, checking emails from home. Pete says keep them coming. It’s just there is no time to reply to them all but we will try.

Update from Cliff 24 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-25T00:08:11+02:00

News from Cliff, 24 November 2009:

We had a hot day yesterday - Pete spent it in the cabin glueing in the foam to reduce noise and make it a bit cooler and most important to protect him if the boat should capsize (of which there is a very real chance). The boat is receiving lots of admirers. I asked a few people what makes her special because to an untrained eye she is just another carbon rowing boat. The main response is that it’s because she is so neat and simple. When you look around, that’s exactly the case. Pete has pulled off a great job. Simple, no frills ... just a working boat.

After we had done all the sweaty hot work we came up to our apartment which is about 200m from the boat village and we spent an afternoon going over the medical kit. We had our medical scrutineering today at 11am. There were a few things missing - we had fun though trying to get some stuff from the local pharmacy.

The town La Gomera is small - about the same size as Hermanus town but with a lot fewer houses. It is built in a small valley on steep slopes and it’s very Karoo-looking in its shrubs and bare mountains. The houses have almost a Greek island feel to them. There is a beautiful old church in the town square. In the afternoon the shops all slow for siesta and open again in the evening after which the entire village comes to life with kids playing in the promenade and riding bikes and families walking around. It’s amazing to see. The whole village changes when the rowers come and there is a lot of interest in the race.

This morning I could not sleep so I woke up at 5.30 am SA time (3.30 am La Gomera). My body clock is still stuck in SA. I woke Pete with the smell of hamburgers on the stove (his lunch) and also made some avo sandwiches which will go with bananas. It is hard work making sure Pete eats. I feel like such a nag ... "Pete have a sandwich ... Pete have some water ... Pete have another sandwich ... Pete here is some coke ... Pete some brownies ... mmmmm yummy ... look at the chochoo train come now open wide"... I am trying all the tricks but they are working - Pete has put on a bit more weight for sure.

The race is going to be very interesting. The main rival and the talk (but you never ever know) is a guy called Charlie Pitcher. He is British yachtie and a nice guy. The boat he is rowing is a totally new concept and this is the worry. It is shorter in length by 1.5 m. This means it is that much lighter. It also has the cabin in the front of the boat. The cabin is about twice the height of Nyamezela’s cabin and will act like a spinnaker downwind. It’s a very clever idea. The aft cabin is low and small so Charlie can see oncoming waves. Charlie is a nice guy and has done many ultra marathons like Kim does and has also done the marathon in the Sahara (marathon de Sables) so he has a good head. Why am I telling you all this? Well just to show you that this race is exciting and is going to be a nail biting race. I must also add that there are three other single boats that are very quiet and getting on with the job so one never can tell. It really is up to the weather the rower and his head of which I have no doubt we have the best. Pete is amazing - he freely gives his experience from the last race and just been an all round cool guy. The other younger rowers are picking his brain and he does not act cagey and shares what he can with the most amazing enthusiasm and care. No inflated head or an ‘I am better that you’ attitude. The truth and fun of competing together against elements is what it’s about. I am so proud and stoked to be associated with him. He truly is a wonderful caring man!

Liberty is in good company here - there are a few other insurance company sponsors and Pete has by far the most impressive. The Own Your Life branding along with ‘100% committed’ is so powerful and is going down awesomely with the racers and the public. I think a lot has to do with what lekker guys us South Africans are ;-)

So, what else did today hold? We had the medical scrutiny at 11 but we were missing a rectal thermometer. We’re going to have to get someone to bring one in as La Gomera is fresh out. Then we started fitting the water maker. Pete has arranged for a technical representative from the company which manufactured it to come out from the UK to prime (pickle) the water maker and test it before Pete sets off. We were also intending to do the dagger boards as well as fix an eye bolt which was not properly fitted and broke!

We are both doing well and it’s so great to have the messages of support from the home town and country. It’s good to have solid support to read to Pete daily. I know it helps with the butterflies in his tummy.

Updates from Pete and Cliffy

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-23T22:41:00+02:00

News from Cliff, Sunday 22 November: We have been travelling flat out and for the first time now have good internet connection at the Blue Marlin, a pub down from our apartment. We are having a problem with sms and cell reception and will try sort that out tomorrow. The trip up was ok. Flights were good, Virgin Atlantic was great. The floods and bad weather meant that our flight from Gatwick was delayed by an hour which meant that we missed our ferry. However, we sat next to a lovely English couple, Sue and Nigel, who put us up in their holiday house (on the first night of their holiday!) and took us out for a beautiful meal and paid our taxi fare from the airport ... amazing people - so hospitable and warm. Nigel is a retired fireman from the UK. He will be coming over from Tenerife to see us in the next few days.

Today we had a great day. Started out just catching the ferry to the island and then checking the boat out and all the other boats. There's great energy here. Very British. Pete has interesting competitors.
We unpacked the boat in 30 deg heat. Everything survived the journey - the chocolates arrived unscathed! Pete has registered and we have booked our slot for the medical kit check and the scrutiny has been booked for next Monday. Lots to be done till then! We spent the rest of the day packing the treat bags: Pete's jungle juice, his chocolates, etc. 90 bags, one for each [potential] day.
Tomorrow we will get on to setting the dagger board and a few other pieces of kit

It is really amazing to see how well Pete has been received. He is really liked by the rowers and it's clear that they really respect him. There were lots of oooohs and aaahs at Nyamezela - she is beautifully built and people are raving about her. I feel so proud to be with Pete and connected to his campaign. Photos to follow soon!

News from Pete, Monday 23 November: Cliffy and I have spent the last two days getting the boat ready for the epic journey. My dankie tannie packies have been packed, we have interior decorated the cabin with some nice white foam (which will keep me cool and the sound out) and organised my medical kit which was supplied by Life Health Care Group. Tomorrow at 11h00 I have my medical scrutineering. We discovered a few missing items and had an interesting shopping spree in the local pharmacy. Cliffy and I were trying to explain in our best Spanish (our vocab so far is "dos cerveza por favor" - two beers please) that we need Vaseline, an eye bath and tough cut scissors. Not easy and we are still not sure if we have the right thing. Oh well at least our Spanish has improved. Butterflies are still huge but I am looking forward to the start.

Daily Dispatch 20 Nov 09

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-23T20:50:58+02:00

Setting out to tame the Atlantic demon

PETE GO FOR IT: Peter van Kets with children from the Carel du Toit School for the Deaf, who presented him with a good luck banner on Wednesday for his solo adventure across the Atlantic that starts on December 5. The school will receive money raised from the race. Picture: PHILLIP NOTHNAGEL

AHEAD lies the expanse of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, unpredictable weather, gale-force winds, storms, giant waves and swells, blazing sun and endless days of pain and loneliness. All of this awaits East London adventurer Peter van Kets, who in two weeks’ time, on December 6, sets off on his own to row across the Atlantic.

The race begins in San Sebastian, La Gomera in the Canary islands and ends in Antigua in the Caribbean, some 5 000km away. This is the second time Van Kets will be crossing the Atlantic, having done so with fellow East Londoner Bill Godfrey in 2007/8. The pair emerged heroes after winning the pairs section of the Woodvale Atlantic Race.

An excited Van Kets left today from East London Airport for Tenerife in the Canary Islands via Johannesburg and London, where his carbon-fibre craft, Nyamezela – which means in Xhosa vernacular, to push through tough times – waits for him.

Nyamezela, specially built and fitted out in Cape Town, will be Van Kets’s home away from home for 50 to 120 days, depending on how he fares during the race. Van Kets says he is hoping to shatter the standing solo record of 78 days.

Of huge relief to Van Kets is the fact that his boat has been cleared by customs and on Wednesday was on board a barge heading for the start. More relief came in the form of manager Cliff Coombe, who arrived on Wednesday from Hermanus, near Cape Town.

Nyamezela will undergo further tests in La Gomera and two further instruments still need to be fitted to the craft. Also on board Nyamezela will be four cameras that will record every second of Van Kets’s epic attempt, one of which will be waterproofed, allowing him to film under water. Van Kets admits to feeling nervous.

“I have butterflies but not for myself but rather for my wife Kim and daughter Hannah. I will keep wondering if they will be OK while I’m away. They won’t be there to see me off at the start as it’s very traumatic. They will be there to meet me at race end.’’

Van Kets added he still hoped to put on three kilograms. “I weigh 89kg at the moment but will lose a lot of weight while at sea. Once I come down to 70kg problems will set in and I’ll become weaker,’’ he explained. During his first crossing Van Kets shed 18kg.

Though the race starts on December 6, Van Kets said his race had started as early as February this year already.

“Millions and millions of things had to be seen to. Having Cliff around will be a great help and in the last few days I want to focus, race and survive.’’

The plan, according to Van Kets, is for him to use the first two-thirds of the race to pace himself and then push hard during the last stretch. He’ll row for 90 minutes and take 90 minutes off for the first two-thirds of the crossing, then shorten his rest periods to one hour. He also expects to be sea-sick for the first three days but not as stressed as in his first crossing.

He will be in contact with Kim once a day via satellite phone, of which two will be on board in case one gets damaged or washed away.

To follow Van Kets’s progress visit www.rowpeterow.co.za or www.own-your-life.co.za

Readers can personally receive text messages on their cellphones from Van Kets when he leaves the Canary Islands, and at the same time support his charity of choice, the Carel du Toit School for the Deaf. The package is R50 for one sms every second day and R100 for a daily sms. Included in updates will be weather conditions, race news, total distance covered, distance still to go, and comments from Van Kets.
Phone us on 072 753 0900 for more details. - By BRIAN McLEAN

SOLO ROWERS VAN KETS WILL BE UP AGAINST
Charlie Pitcher, United Kingdom (InsureandGo)
James Ketchell, United Kingdom (Speedo)
Lee McNamara, United Kingom (2Hopes)
Leo Rosette, United States (Halcyon)
Sean McGowan, Ireland (Tess)
David Brooks, United Kingdom (Team Panasonic)

Keeping connected

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-06T12:18:48+02:00

The Woodvale Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race starts one month from today on Sunday 6 December. Liberty Nyamezela is on her way (thanks to Schenker) and should arrive in San Sebastian, La Gomera, soon. Pete and his shore manager Cliff are flying out courtesy of Virgin Atlantic on 20 November to make final preparations for the race, and check that Liberty Nyamezela is shipshape. Her set up needs to be perfect because Pete will rely on Nyamezela completely as he rows 90 minutes, then rests 90 minutes, 24 hours a day, during the race of between 50 and 90 days.

Anchor sponsor Liberty has created a place on www.own-your-life.co.za where you can track Pete's progress online. There's also an opportunity to support Pete's charity, the Carel du Toit Centre for the Deaf in East London, by sponsoring Pete's distance.

Or to keep a tab on Pete's progress while you're away on your holidays, why not sign up with Carel du Toit to receive sms updates throughout the race. A donation of just R100 gives you an sms a day, or R50 for an sms every two days. All proceeds go directly to Carel du Toit. See here for more details.

Of course, there'll also be updates on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/l/8542a;www.rowpeterow.co.za, on Twitter www.twitter.com/petervankets/, and Woodvale's site at www.woodvale-challenge.com.

We'll post details of Pete's webcam link soon.

Remember, you are welcome to send messages to Pete at any time during the race through the various media available to you. Messages will be consolidated and sent through once a day.

Training and tapering

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-11-05T13:23:13+02:00

Brian McLean, Sports Editor of the Daily Dispatch, published this report 5 November 2009

WHEN East London’s Peter van Kets attempts his 5500 km solo race across the Atlantic in his boat Liberty Nyamezela, he should be in peak physical condition.

The race starts on December 6 in San Sebastian, La Gomera, in the Canary Islands.

Van Kets, who for some time now has been working on a special training programme under the watchful eye of Australian strength and conditioning coach, Caron Williams, leaves East London for the Canary Islands on November 20.

Williams, a multi-sport athlete, has provided Peter with a periodised training programme to prepare him for his big race.

Van Kets’s postural weaknesses, analysed by physiotherapist Tanya Mackenzie before his first race in 2007 in the pairs section with Bill Godfrey, has had to be re-examined and addressed at the start of his training.

According to Williams, Van Kets needed to be well-trained physically to endure and withstand any adversity during his long race but at the same time, should not to be over- trained or be peaking before the start. “His training has been designed to slowly build his fitness up over a long period of time to allow for optimal physical and mental adaption,’’ she explained.

The training programme was divided into four phases, of which the third was the longest and hardest and targeted his main training goal – his ability to cope with fatigue.

The final phase over seven weeks has been a tapering down which allows for extensive mental and nutritional preparation to take place.

Van Kets said yesterday his challenge was to reach his destination, Antigua, without damage to himself or his boat and that’s what the training had been all about.

“It’s all about survival and rowing two-thirds of the race comfortably and pushing myself harder for the final third.’’

Williams has the last word: “Peter is highly motivated, extremely disciplined and an awesome athlete to train.’’

The original article can be found here.

Weight training

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-10-27T11:38:00+02:00

Pete is tapering his training and concentrating on rest and putting on some weight. He's currently weighing 87 kg (Pete's 6.2ft/1.86m) and aims to weigh 92 kg at the beginning of the race. So, everyone, send a pudding or Black Label to Pete to help his cause!

Paperwork and admin

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-10-26T18:40:41+02:00

Now that Nyamezela is on her way, Pete and his team are finalising the paperwork to get themselves over to the start. Virgin Atlantic has sponsored the flights for Pete, Cliff and Nic. And also for Kim and Hannah to meet Pete at the end of the race. The team will fly into Heathrow, and then take a bus to Gatwick to catch a flight to the Canaries on Easy Jet. There’ll be a ferry trip to La Gomera for final preparations. Pete and Cliff leave on 20 November ... still in good time to do what is necessary to finish Nyamezela for the race.

The visa shopping isn’t Visa shopping, or as much fun. In fact it is an exercise in giving over just about every ounce of personal information barring what colour your underwear is ... However, with the able and enthusiastic assistance of Mariska Smith at Visa Connect in Fish Hoek, the process is being made much smoother, especially for Cliff who requires a visa for the UK (transit) and also a Schengen visa for the Spanish leg (The Canaries).

Containerised

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-10-19T17:49:00+02:00

Nyamezela is packed into her container, and ready to sail away, courtesy of Schenker (specialist in worldwide logistics). Schenker came to the party - as it did for the last race - to ensure that Nyamezela arrives at the start in La Gomera in good time, and then comes home from Antigua safely. All Pete has to do (!) is row her across the Atlantic Ocean in between.

Pete, Cliffy, Nic, Neville, Andre and Alexis worked hard in the boiling sun and oven of the container to make sure that Nyamezela was strapped down securely so there won’t be any bumps and nicks during the voyage. The Schenker team made sure that Pete and Cliff were well-fed by providing delicious sandwiches and Coke to keep them energised. (You guys rock!) Nyamezela should reach La Gomera in the Canary Islands around 9 November. Let’s hope there aren’t any nerve-wracking delays like last time.

Nyamezela’s land legs (her trailer) have found a safe home at Schenker until she returns. Thanks Schenker!

Sea trial 2

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-10-18T22:51:44+02:00

Today’s trial took place in Table Bay ... Pete took Nyamezela for a downwind row, almost to Robben Island, before heading back with a tow from an NSRI craft from Station 2. There were some great photo opportunities - particularly with Table Mountain and the new World Cup stadium in the background.

Murray Williams was on hand to interview Pete - an article appeared in the Cape Argus a few days later. Of interest to Capetonians was, of course, the fact that Pete is an ex-SACS teacher. How’s that for inspiring a generation of young adventurers?

Sea trial 1

mushilele@gmail.com — 2009-10-17T15:59:08+02:00

On Friday 16 October, Dave Colly from SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Association) surveyed Nyamezela and made sure that everything was functioning correctly so that Pete could get her registered as a ship. He also set-up the auto-helm (mechanical steering device) and it works perfectly. Saturday 17 October and the day dawned cloudy and still. Perfect weather for a sea trial. Pete and Cliff took Nyamezela from her Capricorn Park berth to False Bay Yacht Club in Simonstown where they launched. The NSRI Station 10 craft oversaw the process - and helped with support as Pete put Nyamezela through her paces.

Why trial in perfect sea conditions? Aren’t trials supposed to test the boat in, well, rough seas? Well, not really - the idea is to get a sense of how the boat performs when conditions are just perfect for rowing ... if she yaws to one side then that yaw will be magnified many more times in rough weather. That’s not something you want to be trying to fix in the middle of the ocean. By yourself.