Peter van Kets, Pete van Kets, Cliff Coombe
Update from Cliff 28 Nov 09
28/Nov/09 22:55 Filed in: Nyamezela
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.
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.
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Update from Cliff 27 Nov 09
27/Nov/09 23:18 Filed in: Nyamezela
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
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
26/Nov/09 22:31 Filed in: Nyamezela
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.
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
25/Nov/09 22:29 Filed in: Nyamezela
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.
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
25/Nov/09 00:08 Filed in: Nyamezela
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.
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.