Pete van Kets
Update from Cliff 3 Dec 09
03/Dec/09 22:25 Filed in: Nyamezela
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.
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.”
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Race start delayed
03/Dec/09 12:50 Filed in: Nyamezela
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
02/Dec/09 21:47 Filed in: Nyamezela
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!
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
01/Dec/09 21:24 Filed in: Nyamezela
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.
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.