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Day 76 – 6th July 2011

It has now been over three months since we boarded our Air Asia flight to Australia (24th March). After 75 days at sea we have finally arrived into Grand Baie Harbour, Mauritius for a party to remember (or forget). Events of the last week or so very aptly sum up the highs and lows of our voyage across this vast and relentless seascape.

The wildlife has at times been a great distraction from the oars and the spectacular sight of a large (25 ft) Mink Whale was awesome. First spotted 20m away in the crest of a wave ‘Willy’ proceeded to take several inquisitive passes under the boat and we knew a friendship was forming. What started out as a few hurried photos from the deck led to a number of underwater video clips/pics as we swam alongside the gentle beast. He was a lot more photogenic than our hairy mugs and some of the clips we have need Attenborough’s narration to do them justice! He seemed to enjoy our company and lingered by our side for an hour or so. It was an amazing moment that we will never forget.

During our final para-anchor watch on Sunday, James ‘called for the bucket’. As he glanced over the side an unsuspecting Dorado was seen inspecting the hull. Before I could say Captain Jack Sparrow, James exchanged bucket for a gaff (a long wooden rod with large fish hook) and with a single strike hooked this 30lb monster! After considerable efforts were made to land it, a quick death was necessary (whisky in the gills – yes our final days rations were sacrificed)…. We hope the photos on the website do this prize justice. A mixture of marinated delights brought to life taste buds which have remained dormant all trip.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, an encounter with ‘aliens’ was witnessed by both Kels and Ollie. An apparent sighting of a ‘green pillar of light from below the sea illuminating the ocean and clouds for miles around’… was the story from an excited and slightly confused pair of rowers as we emerged on deck. Everyday over breakfast, great stories of the previous nights hallucinations have kept us all amused, and to this day they both claim it was real. Clearly gone mad!

Upon crossing a shipping lane on Sunday night we managed to avoid a very close collision. AIS (Automatic Identification System) is a high-tech piece of software which not only sends an alarm across our cockpit should another vessel be on a collision course but allows other ships (99% of the time large tankers) to see us on their radar. The ship in question failed to turn on both its AIS and were not responding to the VHF (radio). As a result James sent up two white rocket flares and a handheld flare to alert them of our position, finally forcing the tanker to bank hard to starboard and avoid us by a mere 50 or so meters. It was a worrying encounter, where we felt totally helpless. A few nights before, a further ship turned off all its lights 300m away from us…. and then proceeded to put a search light on us thinking we were pirates! For a moment we thought they were pirates too and we turned down wind to start our escape! Quick radio contact sorted the confusion and we ensured them we weren’t about to ask for a ransom demand (although any donations were welcome).

The voyage has been an incredible experience for all of us with so many memories to take away. A personal thanks must go out to all those who have left so many encouraging messages on our website, a vital source of moral.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Nick Knight (Team coach and research co-coordinator) once more for his dedication to our campaign over the past few years. There is no doubt that Nick’s involvement has been critical throughout, and we cannot emphasize enough his selfless commitment. Cheers Nick.

Lastly with special thanks to our sponsors, Air Asia, B&Q, Constance Hotels, Cameras Underwater, English Braids, Four Eyes, Kiehls, Luccombe Holidays, Mactra Marine, Openear, Raymarine, Strutt & Parker, Spinlock, Silver Street Automotive, Seacoat, Viking and many other private individuals.

After 75 days we have rowed 3,398 nautical miles, powered an obscene 3,024,000 strokes through the water, and consumed 227 painkillers! We have each rowed for over 900 hours and are proud to have not missed a single minute. We will now treat ourselves to a few days in Mauritius with friends and family, where we will relax, rest and heal our wounds. Our bodies are tired, worn and in need to some TLC, and we certainly look forward to a final farewell to the ‘Boyle’ family – they have been a real pain in the ass.

As we conclude this final blog we hope that we have provided you with some entertainment, inspiration, some facts or merely just a few minutes away from the ‘everyday’ life. If so our website will stay live to ensure donations to our causes can still be made.


Best wishes – the boys.

Dear All,

Current Position: FINISH LINE

Course: NA

Weather: SE 10, sunny

Summary: Thank you all very much for your support throughout this expedition. We have finally made it across and despite everything that nature has thrown our way we feel pretty proud with what we have achieved. However, once again thank you all for your help and we look forward to catching up back in the UK or in Mauritius in an hour or two.

Yours

James

Update from race organisers on 6th July 2011

Indian Runner 4 has slowed a little which is likely due to the tidal current which is against them at the moment. They should start to benefit from a favourable current after 12.30 local time when the tide turns. Importantly this means they’ll have the current with them as they pass through the Quoin Channel.

The revised finish time is now around 1400, and arriving at the Grand Baie Yacht Club 1600. (1300 UK time)