IOR 2009 Blog Archive

Wow! I can't believe that after so much build up, fundraising and gruelling effort land is in sight! I won't say 'congratulations' quite yet, but well done to Guy and Del, and everyone else involved. Keep going and make sure you hit that target!! (Given that one crew already missed it) Can't wait to see you when you get back and hear more about it. Tina, on a scale of 1-10, how likely is it that you are going to cry when you see Guy again? (For whatever reason!)

The difference being that Mr Brown only knows what it's like to be on a sinking ship..... ;-)

Take it home boys. x

well I am jealous and SO disappointed that I am not there!!! boo. Oh well, as everyone is saying in the amazing unconditional support I am SO SO proud of both the boys. and delaney cant wait for a big hug, have missed you, though 5 months has gone scarily quickly, sarahxxxxxx

Charlie and I watching your progress and getting excited! What an achievement. Thinking of doing a bit of canoeing in Southwater Country Park! Keep on keeping on! Love Jean and Charlie

This is unbelievable! I can't believe they can see land, what a feeling that must be like! A tingle down my spine when I just read the last blog entry. How far they have come is absolutely amazing. Very very very proud of both of them. Guy - you have been truly missed and Nelope and I can't wait to have you back!!! Lots and lots of love, Little Jo xx

I'm so blimmin excited - well done you boys! I'm incredibly proud of you and totally chuffed for you both! Del, I can't wait to see you when you're back here in boring ol London...! It's been an absolute pleasure to watch and read about your journey. See you soon! Lots of love n hugs, Helen Sarah - what a shame that you have just missed them!!!

Del and Guy, You two are absolute legends, 12 miles to go according to the official Indian Ocean Rowing Race website. A big well done from all the Chorltons, almost there. Bet you can smell the Mauritian curries wafting through from land. I assume you have both been rowing naked for the most of the journey. All I would say is that you remember to put your clothes back on before reaching the finishing line. We would not want the spectators to remember the classic Kodak finish for the wrong reasons! I imagine next time I log on you would have made it. Peace out my brothers and get to that finishing line dammit. Chorlts

Come on boys, you must be there by now. This dot watching is a nightmare, the refresh button is indeed broken, all we need now is for you to get the cold crisp beer in your hands. Well done, we all knew you could do it, although was hoping for a few more shark stories.

Congratulations Andrew and Guy You made it!! It was a pleasure spending Easter with you in Geraldton 101 days ago. At the barbeque you were concerned about putting on enough weight to sustain you on your journey and no doubt you have lost it all. I expect you will be looking forward to that English home cooking and beer. Once again congratualtions on your acheivements and we will keep an eye on your website for any future challenges. Look forward to catching up in Geraldton if you attempt another crossing at a later date. PS We feel we rowed the whole way with you!! What will we do do now there are no dots to follow!!

Yes, dots haven't been this exciting since pacman came out Don't know what to say... just thrilled to know you can see land after all this time

Amundsen, Cook, Livingstone, Scott, Shackleton, Fiennes... ...and now Delaney and Watts. What an achievement! I'm sure you've hit land now and are enjoying having completed what is an incredible feat. Great effort lads - we've been with you with every pull. I'm not sure there's anything left to say. Enjoy the celebrations!

Absolutely mindblowing, well done both of you. Your (and the others competing as well) achievement is a true inspiration to us all to show what can be done with determination and hard work. Enjoy your landing party and hope you have a safe return to Blighty. Shane

I can't eat, I can't sleep! the adrenalin is pumping the Mauritius to UK delay is killing me!!!....wish I was there whooping you in. Words can't express how overwhelmed I am that you have actually done it....I have a brother in law and Amelia has an Uncle who is a world record holder...P-R-O-U-D! I am also going to have an extra LARGE G&T or 2 or 3 or 5!! tonight to celebrate that it is all over...huge weight lifted! Big hugs call when you can Kathryn and Amelia (Mimi) xxx

on behalf of Jenny and Mike Croucher: We are joining Kathryn in the G&T party tonight and we will try and save some for when you get back and we see you!!!Amelia has told us today about Uncle Guy's pink boat!! hope it hasn't turned brown?!!Really excited and will watch the blog with baited breath, safe journey home...big hugs to you, Tom, Christina and Nigel J&M xx

So excited and tense - brilliant stuff. By my reckoning you should be able to see land while I type this

WOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.......words cannot describe how pleased I am for both of you... My best mate is a world record holder! Will be popping some champagne for you tonight!

4 miles from the finish, doing 3kn so ETA at the line 1520 ish BST. they have at least one escort boat to accompany them round inc the coastguard, so they should miss the reefs… Update coming when they cross the line, then about two hours to the finish, ie dry land for the land to land record. Jem

Kat total agree with you the suspense is HORRIBLE. Gemma just text to say they are on the way to the yacht club! all seems surreal when you arent physically there. Jem thanks as always for the updates, you deserve a medal! Think we will all be relieved once this is over, particularly in respect of salvaging relationships....oh and also getting those boys firmly placed in those record books. Lets just hope their first words arent "right next challenge antartica!" !!!! Sarahx

Yes yes yesssssssssss!!!