Back home

Hi all,

I’m back home now in the UK after what was a seriously fun trip out to Australia. I met some amazing people and it was really great to stay with Jess’s family. Thanks guys!

First and foremost I want to say congrats to the guys who have just completed the Talisker Bounty Boat expedition. They arrived in Kupang not so long ago and it was great to see some photos of an extremely elated crew. See taliskerbountyboat.com for more details.

It’s good be be home again after my time out in Aus and I’ve been busy planning my next few weeks. I’m doing a few talks here and there, a couple of school visits, I’m racing in the Round the Island race on Saturday raising money for Prostate UK and just in general having lots of fun!

Need to get packed for heading down to Cowes tomorrow morning.

Mike

Thinking of Abby

Yesterday when we heard that Abby Sunderland's EPIRBs had been activated and her team were unable to contact her, we were extremely concerned for her and her family.

This morning we were very relieved to hear that a spotter plane had been mobilised, had located and spoken with Abby.

We understand she has been dismasted and a fishing boat is on it's way to meet with her.

We're all hugely disappointed for her but she has proved to be of very strong character and very capable. Sailing around the world as we all know is a huge undertaking at any age and the chances of being dismasted in bad weather are relatively high.

Our thoughts continue to be with her and her family. We look forward to hearing when they are reunited.

Mike, Fiona, Peter and Heather

Good times

Hi all,

I’m currently writing this off Ella’s Pink Lady. We’re sailing up the Aussie coast up from Sydney to Mooloolaba just north of Brisbane and it’s been a pretty hilarious journey so far without a doubt.

Have also had time to reflect on what a great time I had in Sydney. To say I was well looked after would be a complete understatement. So, to anyone I met and if you are reading this… THANKS.

We pulled in to a lovely little port on the coast and spent a night there. Then last night we sailed through the night to make some better progress up the coast.
It’s been fantastic to get out to sea again and although I did feel a little sea sick on our first night out from Sydney I’ve got my sea legs now which is really great as my appetite is back too! I always like to be well fed onboard and I’ve been pretty impressed with Jess’s cooking I have to admit.

The wind is starting to die off now which is a little frustrating but I’m enjoying being up in a little warmer climes.

I'm really looking forward to arriving in Mooloolaba on Sunday

Mike