Falmouth coastguard - 8:25 PM, Nov. 20, 2006

What follows is a post on YBW, but I want to keep it my archives:

"A friend set off today in a single-handed rowing race from Senegal to Guyane. About 1 1/2 hrs into the race, I got a call from the CG in Falmouth ( Popeye lent his UK EPIRB to Phil the rower, and all the subsequent paperwork led to here). CG says "Paarlaye-vous Anglay?" Replied that yes , I could get by.The rowboat EPIRB had gone off, CG very reassuring, probably just false alert, would keep an eye on things ..... Popeye in panic mode.Lunch immediately put on hold. Checked Rames Guyane website "excellent conditions", phoned race organisers - some capsizes, but since all boats still in Senegal river, lots of assistance to hand. Phoned back Falmouth CG, to report back -they had already contacted Senegalese navy!!! Whole family is gobsmacked as to efficiency of GB CG; and I'm going like OK, normal in a crisis, average housewife manages shipwreck in Africa via GB CG, while cooking lunch and singing Rule Britannia.
What a start to a Sunday! "

Said friend is around the middle  of the rowers, so still alive and well. Did I phone his wife with a report of what (may) have happened? Nope, + I take the consequences.

Only just getting over the bad Turkish experience week 2 (will write it one of these days, honest) but am now having rowing nightmares. On the positive side, makes a change from sailing nightmares, but not 100% sure it will improve my morale!