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Updates and photos from our journey so far…
Boudie’s Blog Day 24
“We made it to Saint Margaret’s Bay around 2130 and dropped anchor. After some preparations for the following tide, which involved boiling water for our flasks and having some snacks to refuel, we recorded another podcast and then finally headed to bed. Both quite tired after a busy few days, we had hoped for a quiet nights sleep 
. However… at midnight, our Angelnav anchor alarm and chart plotter alarms went off, indicating that we were dragging anchor. We were already doing 1.5kt, so we quickly got up and recovered the anchor, and started rowing hard. Both of us fought to stem the tidal flow, making it back into the bay, this time closer to shore and out of the strong flow, and dropped anchor again around 0030.
. However… at midnight, our Angelnav anchor alarm and chart plotter alarms went off, indicating that we were dragging anchor. We were already doing 1.5kt, so we quickly got up and recovered the anchor, and started rowing hard. Both of us fought to stem the tidal flow, making it back into the bay, this time closer to shore and out of the strong flow, and dropped anchor again around 0030.Today (25th June) started with us hauling anchor at 0715 to catch the tide to safely pass the busy part of Dover. After speaking to Dover VTS to advise them of our intentions, they were happy for us to cross around 1nm off the harbour. We both rowed until settling into a 1hr on, 1hr off rota due to the super hot weather. There were lots of shipping movements and we made good progress as far as Dungeness before dropping anchor to wait out the tide. We set off again 1715 and are currently 3nm SE of Rye Harbour and hope to keep rowing through the night.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 23
“The Thames estuary turned out to be a rather long and hard slog… thankfully, there were a couple of cracking sunsets to compensate for the punishment of headwinds, cross sea, and just generally hard rowing 
. We finally made it to Margate just as the sun was setting last night. There was a rave nearby, that seemed to be a 24-hour thing, but we were both so tired, it didn’t matter. We dropped anchor at 2145, and quickly made dinner as we hadn’t stopped since around 1700. With food in our bellies, we bedded down aiming to depart 0730 the following morning, however, we overslept a little 
.
. We finally made it to Margate just as the sun was setting last night. There was a rave nearby, that seemed to be a 24-hour thing, but we were both so tired, it didn’t matter. We dropped anchor at 2145, and quickly made dinner as we hadn’t stopped since around 1700. With food in our bellies, we bedded down aiming to depart 0730 the following morning, however, we overslept a little .We hauled anchor and set off at 0930 with a headwind (again). Rounding North Foreland Point, and shortly after Ramsgate, we took the inner channel as the tide was due to drop. Sure enough, the tide dropped, and our speed did too, so we dropped anchor at 1230. Watching, and waiting, the tide looked to be nearing slack water at 1645, so we quickly hauled anchor and set off. Initially very slowing as there was still a headwind 
, but as the tide grew stronger, we gradually built up speed.
, but as the tide grew stronger, we gradually built up speed.While passing Deal, we had a visit from the 2nd Deal Sea Scouts who were out on the water for the evening. Thanks for coming to say hello, it was great to see you!
As today ends, we can see France, and are finally rounding the corner to the South coast! Woo hoo! We will shortly be dropping anchor to await a fresh tide to get passed the busy port of Dover and continue Westwards 
.”
.” Boudie’s Blog Day 22
“Following on from yesterday’s update, we hauled anchor at 1730 from near to the Medusa buoy and set off with the tide. Easy row, we thought… but we ended up both rowing to make progress. At 2330, just as we were about to enter the massive London Array windfarm, the tide randomly turned against us. Predictions showed another two hours of favourable tide, so some other local anomaly must have been at play. With no real option, we turned 180 degrees and cross the busy Black Deep channel to anchor on the Sunk Sand. Arriving at 0030, anchor was set and some rest was had.
This morning (23rd June), we hauled anchor and set off at 0815, transiting through the London Array wind farm, then across the Fisherman’s Gat channel. Just as we were about to cross here, we had an unexpected visit from the Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat who were out on a navigation exercise and wanted to come and say hello! Amazing to see you all, thank you!
After another short spell at anchor awaiting favourable tide, we are currently underway again heading for North Foreland Point. Conditions are not ideal, wind against tide making slow progress. Least the sun is shining 
.”
tide, we are currently underway again heading for North Foreland Point. Conditions are not ideal, wind against tide making slow progress. Least the sun is shining .” Boudie’s Blog Day 21
“The fresh breeze overnight made things a little lively on anchor, however, nothing like what we’ve had thrown at us so far in places .
.We had hoped to set off early today as the forecasts all showed a lull around 0900. We hauled anchor and rowed for about 30 minutes before deciding to go back to shelter to anchor as it would have been a very long day. Wind speeds were still in excess of 15kts head-on with a confused sea state.
We anchored and had lunch before having a short strategic row at 1430 once the wind speed eventually dropped to put us in a better position for the tide turning early evening to push across the Thames estuary. We are currently (1630) anchored close to the Medusa buoy.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 20
“Continuing from yesterday’s update, we made it just South of Sizewell power station 
before the tide became a bit too much for us and we dropped anchor at 0030, before some much-needed sleep. We had been rowing for mostly two hours on, two hours off, but latterly we both rowed together. At 0445, we hauled anchor and set off again, pushing hard to get to a safe anchorage near Walton On Naze du to the fresh SW winds due this evening that will be strong to row into.
before the tide became a bit too much for us and we dropped anchor at 0030, before some much-needed sleep. We had been rowing for mostly two hours on, two hours off, but latterly we both rowed together. At 0445, we hauled anchor and set off again, pushing hard to get to a safe anchorage near Walton On Naze du to the fresh SW winds due this evening that will be strong to row into.Today we faces varying conditions, starting with poor visibility, then baking sunshine 
. As we approached the Hawich/Felixstowe channel, we had a few passing visitors – firstly John and his salty sea dog on FV Maizie Georgia, and then a number of yachts. It was really nice to chat, and thanks for the photos folks!
. As we approached the Hawich/Felixstowe channel, we had a few passing visitors – firstly John and his salty sea dog on FV Maizie Georgia, and then a number of yachts. It was really nice to chat, and thanks for the photos folks!We arrived at Pennyhole just off the entrance to the Walton backwaters at 1200 and dropped anchor before feasting as we hadn’t stopped for food since setting off. Following that, some domestic chores and a short safety snooze were needed . “
. “ Boudie’s Blog Day 19
“We hauled anchor as planned shortly before 1600 and set off. It was an enjoyable evening rowing, and we covered a decent amount of ground. We passed Cromer in the distance, with their epic and iconic slipway station at the end of the pier.
Over the VHR radio 
, we could hear both Sheringham Lifeboat Station and RNLI Cromer inshore lifeboats launching on exercise. It was an amazing night for it and we hope you all enjoyed your time afloat.
, we could hear both Sheringham Lifeboat Station and RNLI Cromer inshore lifeboats launching on exercise. It was an amazing night for it and we hope you all enjoyed your time afloat.We continued southwards until the tide beat us at 2300 just off Mundesley, so we dropped the anchor to await favourable conditions. With this, we both managed to rest a little till hauling anchor again at 0345 and setting off once more. With favourable conditions (yet another cracking sunset and sunrise), we made it as far as Greater Yarmouth and Gorleston before again dropping anchor for a short while.
We had a visit from the windfarm vessel CRC Gladiator, whose crew wanted to come and say hello and wished us all the best. Thanks, guys, it was great to see you! We hauled anchor at 1545 and set off again, currently 1nm NE of Lowestoft.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 17 & 18
“Two-day blog, feels like a lot longer. We might need to rename the row “The Really Long and Tough Row Home”
We hauled anchor and set off from Withernsea around 2230 on Monday night. Our initial plan was to cross the busy VSS (Vessel Separation Schemes) of the Humber approaches a good few miles Eastwards. However, after speaking to the very helpful VTS Humber, they routed us through the precautionary area just off the entrance to the estuary, ensuring we slotted in around the commercial traffic. A bit like crossing a motorway…
We also had a chat with one of the marine pilots on VHF radio who was interested in what we were doing – cue our advert slot on the VHF for all to hear.
With the busy VTS area behind us, we settled into one-on-one-off shift rota and were soon racking up the miles. Accompanied along the way by more seals swimming very close, we were never alone! 
By Tuesday afternoon, the wind had begun to freshen as forecast, along with the sea state picking up. Thankfully, this was mostly behind us and ensured we made good progress. Unfortunately, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, it became quite evident that we would not make it round the ‘corner’ of Norfolk due to the wind and tide. After a battle with us both rowing and nearing exhaustion in beam-on rough sea state, we opted to drop anchor a safe distance from the coast to rest and await the tide to turn. We dropped anchor at 0200 after a mammoth shift. Exhausted and wet, we both crashed out and aimed to haul anchor at the turn of the tide.
However, we could not recover the anchor due to the tidal flow and sea state, so we had no option but to wait for the tide to recede. At 1030, we managed to haul the anchor aboard and rowed two up for approximately one hour before the tide became too much.
Sorry there’s not many pics or video, we were mostly concentrating on rowing (and staying in one piece)!“
“ Boudie’s Blog Day 16 – 17/6/24
“With the change of tide, at 2200 we hauled the anchor aboard and set off Southwards down the coast. The weather was changeable, with rain mostly and a fresh offshore breeze, but the sea state was smooth. We were pushing an average of 3.5kts. We made it just South of Hornsea on the tide before dropping anchor at 0330 and quickly bedding down for some much needed sleep.
Today (Mon 17th June), we hauled anchor at 1030 and continued Southwards along the coast, making it just South of Withernsea before dropping anchor once again at 1500. Tonight, we hope to set off for Norfolk, so for the next couple of days – we may not have signal for any updates.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 15 – 16/6/24
“Anchor aboard and very soggy waterproofs on, we departed Hayburn Wyke at 2100. Torrential rain thought the row, but we made it around Scarborough Head and then Filey Brig before dropping anchor off Filey at 0230 and enjoying lots of snacks before bed.
Today (Sun 16th June), we were up at 0830, and just as we were departing at 0930, the local sailing club were setting up for the Musto Skiff National Championships. With an amazing row today around the stunning Flamborough Head, we saw lots of gannets and passed North Landing, where there was a Lifeboat up till the 1990’s. At low water, it would bump over the beach at the bottom of the slip before hitting the sea!
Off Flamborough head, we encountered a significant number of inquisitive seals, although we rowed between two that were sleeping and gave them a fright as they woke
The North side of the head is quite fresh today, and we are currently anchored off the North Landing, where the Flamborough Lifeboat Station is located. We hope to push on when the tide turns – and also hope the wind drips a little at least!”
Boudie’s Blog Day 14 – 15/6/24
“We left Hartlepool on the second tide of the day. Hauled anchor at 1630 and crossed the busy Teesmouth entrance (thanks to Tees VTS for allowing us to do so). Passing Redcar, we spotted a whale of some description in the distance. Aided by the tide and with both of us rowing, we made very good progress. The sunset was spectacular too! We arrived in Runswick Bay after a 19nm journey at 2330, where we dropped anchor and bedded down while awaiting another favourable tide.
Today (Saturday 15th June), we hauled anchor and departed Runswick bay 0830, and have made it to a small inlet called Hayburn Wyke just north of Scarborough. It was a cracking row to begin with.. lots of wildlife spotted including porpoises, dolphins and what we think was a Minkie Whale.
Then the rain started, getting heavier and heavier before the tide turned just as we arrived. Just as we had dropped anchor, there was a lightning strike nearby, so we hastily retreated to the cabin. A short time later, the Scarborough D Class inshore Lifeboat paid us a visit while on exercise. Great to see Lee and the crew, thanks for coming to see us!”
Boudie’s Blog Day 13 – 14/6/24
“We’re still anchored at Hartlepool due to weather. 
We decided to do a short video today since our view hasn’t changed much since the last update.
We decided to do a short video today since our view hasn’t changed much since the last update. Not much rest last night, it was a fresh and lively night at anchor with the added noise of two Chinook helicopters buzzing around at low altitude It was still too fresh to depart this morning, but fingers (and toes) crossed, we’ll get away later today!
It was still too fresh to depart this morning, but fingers (and toes) crossed, we’ll get away later today! Boudie’s Blog Day 12 – 13/6/24
“Safe to say, it has been the longest and hardest shift yet. Both of us have been battling fatigue and feeling quite exhausted. Our spirits were lifted hugely when we met Sam and the Tynemouth crew. However, from there we had to drop anchor off Seahamn to rest and await the tide turning. It was one of those days where you feel like you’re going nowhere, with no shelter from the swell or confused sea.
We anchored and bedded down in what could be likened to a washing machine on a cold cycle – noist, swooshy, and rolly. This also brought on a bout of the dreaded seasickness. Anyone who says they don’t get seasick is either a liar – or it just hasn’t happened to them… yet!
This also brought on a bout of the dreaded seasickness. Anyone who says they don’t get seasick is either a liar – or it just hasn’t happened to them… yet! Today, though, is a complete change for the better. We hauled the anchor aboard at 0500 and set off, both rowing. Making around 3kts against a gentle headwind, Mhairi spotted more dolphins playing and breeching in the distance.
We reached Hartlepool Bay around 1030, just as the tide was due to turn, and are currently anchored there. We’ve also just and an awesome conversation on the VHF radio with Mark, a volunteer Coxswain/Mechanic/Crew from Wick Lifeboat! The vessel Mark has been working on is currently docked at Middlesbrough.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 11 – 12/6/24
“We managed to depart Holy Island on the second tide of the day. Anchor raised 1630, and we proceeded to sea. A heavy ground swell was running into the Skate Road (the bay between Holy Island and Seahouses), so we had to head northwards to clear the large breaking sea before we could turn and run through the inner sound between Seahouses and the Farne Isles.
Chris sent us some nice pictures he took of us passing through the inner sound. A very long night on the oars followed with a large swell, and as of 1600 on the 12th of June, we are now South of Tynemouth.
While passing Tynemouth, the local Lifeboat and crew came out to say hello while on exercise. Thank you, guys! It was so nice to see you after such a long, hard night. 
We are trying hard to get as far South as possible before the next forecasted breeze picks up, as it’ll likely see us anchored for a couple of days.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 10 – 11/6/24
“Not so much to update on since yesterday’s update. We remain at anchor in behind Holy Island. A very restful night was had, with a mostly sound sleep from 2200 till 0700 – this was much needed.
We had hoped to depart at 0500 today (11th June), however, upon the alarm going off at 0430, the wind was very fresh and conditions did not look favourable or safe. With a large surf running outside Holy Island, it was a quick and easy decision to go back to sleep with no arguments from either of us!
One massively positive milestone, however, we’ve logged over 200nm since departing Wick which meant a bar of chocolate to share 
It’s the little things…. Only 200nm till the next one! “
It’s the little things…. Only 200nm till the next one! “ Boudie’s Blog Day 9 – 10/6/24
“Following on from yesterday’s blog, our passage continues. Mixed bag conditions-wise, a superb end to the day with glassy sea and a 2-3m swell running in the right direction! However, as darkness fell, conditions soon changed. The wind freshened to at least 20kt NW and the sea state turned rough with 4-5m waves, some breaking over Boudicea’s deck. This made for fast speeds, however, with a lack of refuge options ahead and forecasted increasing winds, we decided to seek shelter at Holy Island.
We arrived at 0530 but unfortunately could not fight the tide and wind to enter the real shelter offered by the island, so we dropped anchor and rode the swell/waves. At 0700, with the anchor dragging, we dropped a second (larger) anchor and recovered the smaller one. This larger anchor bit, allowing us to seek shelter in the cabin until the wind dropped slightly at 1200, enabling us to safely get in behind Holy Island.
An eventful 28 or so hours with approximately 64 nautical miles covered. Boudicea handled everything that was thrown at her beautifully. Time for sleeps! Hopefully we shall resume tomorrow, subject to conditions.”
Hopefully we shall resume tomorrow, subject to conditions.” Boudie’s Blog Day 8 – 9/6/24
“We had another visitor Ross who was passing on his sea kayak popped over to say hello. Very nice to meet you Ross, and hope you have a safe trip.
Short time later at 1230, we raised anchor and pushed onwards to Arbroath. This was a slog at times due to the head wind. And hailstones… We arrived at Arbroath around 1730 where we dropped anchor, had a quick dinner and bedded down for a safety snooze before the big push on… 0100, we raised anchor again and departed for St Abbs head (and onwards). We needed one on the searchlight and helming due to the minefield of creel markers
We arrived at Arbroath around 1730 where we dropped anchor, had a quick dinner and bedded down for a safety snooze before the big push on… 0100, we raised anchor again and departed for St Abbs head (and onwards). We needed one on the searchlight and helming due to the minefield of creel markers It’s now 1645 on the 9th June, and we have had two more visits today! GXS currently operates from Wick was passaging North after a trip to a yard and they made a point of calling us up on VHF and coming close enough to speak. Really good to see you guys! Safe trip North. Next, we were greeted by the GV Tranquility currently on Guard Duties at the NnG Wind Farm.”
Boudie’s Blog Day 7 – 8/6/24
“Staving off cabin fever. A day of small jobs, washing and drying clothes and generally having forced relaxation
The comfort factor aboard is lacking however, Boudicea is built for speed, not luxury and we very much *need* to get moving.
Friday evening was spent reading and watching a film, and this morning (8th) the Arbroath Atlantic 85 Lifeboat paid a visit to say hello whilst on exercise! Thank you for coming out to say hello guys, great to see you! 
We hope for the wind to veer slightly today, so for the ‘dot watchers’ hopefully you’ll see some progress later today.”
Day 6 – 7/6/24
Boudies blog day 6 (6th June) . We sit at anchor awaiting a weather window. The direction, and strength would make leaving a bit foolish, so we wait patiently. We repositioned the boat to seek more shelter for the stronger winds expected then, we watched the most amazing sunset over Lunan Bay. It’s not been so fine since however, fresh winds and heavy rain mean we have been mostly confined to our cosy little cabin (*cosy = tiny) 😂 7th June and we’ve just had a visit from the Montrose Lifeboat who popped out for an exercise and to say hello! Thank you guys, great to see you!
Day 5 – 6/6/24
“Afternoon all, Boudies blog day 5! After departing Bervie Bay we knew we were in for a long day of rowing with a headwind all the way. After a few hard miles of rowing, we dropped anchor at Milton Ness to the North of Montrose Bay to have a rest and wait for the favourable tide.
We raised anchor at around 20:00 and set off for Lunan Bay, arriving around 00:30 where we dropped anchor and both caught up on some sleep. We saw more dolphins which was amazing”
Day 4 – 5/6/24
“Boudies blog, day 4! We departed Stonehaven at 13:00 and rowed as far as Bervie Bay. Though it’s a little over 8 nautical miles, the wind slowed us down, and we didn’t arrive until 19:30. We both rowed another full shift, taking only short breaks for rest and snack before dropping anchor in Bervie Bay. Just as we set the anchor, a lone dolphin popped by.
We set off early today due to swell building in the bay, for what looks to be another tough day. See the video clip showing Mhairi enjoying breakfast while the boat rolls 
“
“ Day 3 – 4/6/24
“Day 3, morning! We set off from Cruden Bay and had a great run to Aberdeen. However, we soon had both tide and wind against us, causing us to slow right down. We dropped the anchor for a couple of hours until conditions improved.
Not long after we lifted anchor and resumed our journey, we had our first visit from a big orange boat 
with the RNLI Aberdeen crew dropping by on their Severn. We pushed on past Stonehaven, with a safe haven marked out as our next anchorage about an hour down the coast. However, one hour turned into two, then three… so we turned back to Stonehaven Bay to wait out the weather.
with the RNLI Aberdeen crew dropping by on their Severn. We pushed on past Stonehaven, with a safe haven marked out as our next anchorage about an hour down the coast. However, one hour turned into two, then three… so we turned back to Stonehaven Bay to wait out the weather.Just as we were both feeling a bit deflated and tired, our spirits were lifted when a mixed pod of dolphins 
and pilot whales 
came to visit. One even breached so close to the bow of the boat that we felt the splash! “
and pilot whales came to visit. One even breached so close to the bow of the boat that we felt the splash! “ Day 2 – 3/6/24
“After passing Fraserburgh, we picked up the flood tide setting Southwards which aided our speed passing Rattray Head in smooth sea conditions. Wind was variable but light in strength. Some great speeds achieved over the ground, with a stunning sunset over Peterhead and shortly before the tide turned against us, we opted to anchor for some rest in Cruden bay. Early this morning (3rd), we raised anchor and carried on Southwards.”
Day 1 – 2/6/24
“Just over 24 hours into the row and we are approximately 7nm North East of Fraserburgh. We’ve had an amazing night on the oars, and great progress made. We adopted a 2hrly watch a few hours after leaving Wick. There’s nothing that makes getting up at 3am appealing, however the sunrise a wee while later was just epic! We’ve had a mix of slight and moderate sea states during the crossing, with up to 15kt winds too variable directions. “