On hearing of your forthcoming challenge and seeing your website a friend said "Mad as a hatter. But that's what makes the British so lovable".

Mad as a hatter, yes I agree, but I draw the line at lovable, though I expect your parents find you so.

When I first met you some 15 months ago I realised that you were enthusiastic about your challenge but somewhat naïve about what lay ahead - not the rowing bit of the challenge but the other part, the bigger one, that of raising the funds needed.

It has been fascinating to watch your progress, the developing website, the sponsorship coming in, getting ever closer to the target, the various events organised and soon your departure to the sun.

It was great to be at the boat launch and then to have the pleasure of being aboard Jeez-Louise following you on the morning of your first sea trials.

So now we are about 80 days from the start. I look forward to following your progress and will be very disappointed if you finish anywhere other than in first place.

I still don't find you lovable.

The photo at the top is the Indian Ocean off Cape Leeuwin, Western Australia - a better sight than my face! Have fun!