Officially crew of the Britannia III

I arrived in Gran Canaria last evening at 6pm after the 4008 mile aerial passage to Gatwick, a 4 hour layover and then another 4 hour flight due south to Las Palmas just off the Moroccan border.  Captain Simon and First Mate Roger picked me up from the airport and we became acquianted via spirited banter on the hour ride south to Porto Mogan. 

Quick introductions to the crew and an all-you-can-eat buffet at a good/bad chinese restaurant and I feel comfortable, fed, and sleepy.  I am doing my best to front load and put on some wieght prior to departure given that the food stores allow for 6000 calories/day and wary that I may be burning closer to 10,000.  Projections are that I may lose up to 2 stone - that´s 28 lbs that I don't really have to lose, 10 maybe, but 28!!!

Arose this morning to unfavorable wind conditions blowing out of the west, the exact opposite of the direction in which we need to make headway.  We've got two low pressure systems hovering about in the place of normal highs with trades out of the east.

In any case, we set out on the water this afternoon to fit personal kit on board, rotate through shifts and prepare a meal as practice for the epic journey that lies ahead.

3 new blisters appeared as expected from hands on wooden-handled dreissigacker oars.  Today was my first effort on port side for more than a few strokes in my life and went as well as can be expected.  Plan is switch up port and starboard regularly to balance things out.

Official welcome posted on the website http://www.woodvale-works.com/news/article/15/lost-and-found- 
although I am a Registered Maine Guide, Marine Guide is just as fitting.

All are welcome to leave your own words of encouragement on the website - the streaming banner at the top of the page.

More sea trials tomorrow to work out the kinks and for the crew to become familiar with operations at sea. I am playing catch-up somewhat given that the rest of the crew has been on site for several weeks.

Hoping to post a pic shortly taken of the boat from high this afternoon.

It is apparent that 14 people living aboard a 40ft carbon fiber hulled ocean rowing shell is going to be spartan accomodations to say the least.

At present, next window may be on Thursday.

More tomorrow!

Cheers,

Jonathan