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| Breaking
News |
| 14th
August - Scotland |
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| Location: |
West
of John O'Groats, Scotland |
Time: |
3.40pm
(GMT) |
| Weather: |
Fair |
Team
Member: |
All
the Team: Nige, Mick, Charlie, Andy & Bear. |
| Report: |
Update
- cont'd |
| Andy:
Now back in the UK having completed the crossing of the north
Atlantic I feel like a chef having spent hours preparing a meal
to find it having been eaten in 20 minutes, the last two weeks
really have felt like 20 minutes- good times, hard times but never
bad times. |
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The
seas we encountered were testing for the whole crew but we were
lucky, the sea could of thrown so much more at us. We all realise
that we got away with it this time and that it could have been
so different and it might not of been such a happy ending to such
an exciting expedition. |
| As
for my job onboard as the engineer, my life was made easy by the
design and preparation of the boat. An excellent engine coupled
with the amazing hull made for a robust boat that instilled confidence
in the whole team, giving us a feeling of security that was much
needed on the two middle legs of the trip. |
| The
next few weeks will be busy time for me, as HMS Newcastle is now
working up ready for an operation deployment in the new year but
I will undoubtedly have the feeling of a part of me missing now
that the trip is complete. The feeling of being part of a team having
done something out of the ordinary is strong and will be sorely
missed. |
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Bear:
From very tentative beginnings almost three years ago, where Nige
and me wondered if this expedition might ever be possible and
where would I ever start, to today, the culmination of a real
dream. It has been the most amazing rollercoaster ride –
finding the sponsors, involving the Prince’s Trust, selecting
the team, choosing the boat and all the kit, employing back up
teams, organising logistics and then of course the training and
eventually the actual expedition itself. In so many ways I have
watched as this whole expedition outgrew me and it was such a
pleasure to see the guys grow in confidence as they organised
the details in their area of expertise: weather, engineering,
navigation, logistics etc. Before long they all felt as much towards
this attempt as I did, and that was fantastic to see. At long
last, I can truly say we did it – but above everything we
did it together. |
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There
were undoubtedly more jeopardy moments out there in those remote
icy cold seas than I had ever anticipated, and in truth, if I
had had any idea of how frightened all of us would be at stages,
I would have thought twice, before I left everything, family and
safety, for those northern waters. I ‘officially’
never want to feel that scared again! |
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What
I do know is that each of the guys in that small boat with me
displayed a tenacity and courage that is not often seen. To ask
four men to risk their lives alongside you for no reward save
the friendships we created is unusual. To see those men dig deep
in those moments and come up with the sort of resilience I saw
in them is special. They are all normal guys- surveyors, telecom
director, cameraman and Naval Officer- yet they showed a courage
that makes me proud of them beyond words. In the best sense of
the word I can say it was a privilege to have lead the team and
a privilege to have had them alongside me. The sea can be a very
frightening and real force and I am aware we were let through
her net on occasion. For that I will forever more hold a deep
gratitude. I have a lot to live for, a gorgeous wife and a groover
of a baby. Thanks to them for keeping me personally going when
I felt at my coldest and lowest.
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I
just want to finish by saying the biggest of thank you’s
to all the many, many people behind the scenes – the back
up team for all their hard work way beyond the call of duty, at
all times the day and night; the sponsors for their trust and
faith in me when this was all a distant dream, the many people
who have gone that extra mile for no reward, except to have known
that their contribution made a difference. Without all of you
we would not be here today. To bring everyone back, successfully
and alive, has been all I ever hoped for. Thank you to you all
for making this a reality. You too should feel proud. Thank you. |
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We
are still continuing to raise funds for the Prince’s Trust,
and the boat, our faithful friend(!), will reluctantly be put
up for sale later this year, as part of that contribution. |
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We
all head south tomorrow morning. All I want is a warm bath and
to share an avocado mayo sandwich with my Shara! |
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