This morning I was aghast to hear Julia complaining about hard it was to be a cross-Atlantic rower: it’s so wet! What can you expect when you’re on the Ocean darling? As a former rugby player I can’t remember any colleagues complaining about mud, near freezing conditions and, heaven forbid, those ruffians on the other side trying to maim you. All bloody sailors of whatever description, solitary, male, female, nationality (I live in France, so I can tell you they’re thick on the ground here) complain about their sailing conditions every time reporters, for reasons which are beyond me, ask them why they venture on the seas.

I take my hat off to all you girls. This is an amazing challenge and feat that you are doing for a very worthy cause. Thank you for your comments, it means that we are able get a (tiny) glimpse of what you are experiencing. Keep the commentaries up. They are very much enjoyed, albeit both exhilirating and frightening at times.

Hope you all have a very happy (if not dry) New year and that you all get to Barbados safely. Am praying for you. May God bless & protect you all.

Lots of love to you all.

Fair play ladies! Keep it up!

(Did Richard just compare rowing across the Atlantic to playing a game of rugby for 80 minutes? Really?!)