Silver clouds

After the disappointment of next year's trip to Rockall being postponed, morale is higher today as the hatches for the RockPod have arrived from Lewmar.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Lewmar for their kind support for the Rockall Solo project. The conversion of the RockPod can now commence, with the instalation of the hatches and deck vent.

Further disappointment

Unfortunately, due to the unexpected, and until recently unannounced, Belgian expedition to Rockall last month, the MS0INT IOTA team have decided to postpone their trip to Rockall next year by one year. This means they, and myself, will now be heading out into the North Atlantic in May/June 2013.

All change...

Well, that was a VERY eventful weekend:

First of all, my son Freddie was born. He sleeps and eats, sleeps and eats. Seems to have life pretty sorted. He's great (so far)!

Secondly, the Belgians (www.rockall.be) finally managed to land some of their group on Rockall and transmit from there. Well done to them for what they achieved.

To top it all off, my Waveland Passport arrived today along with stamps and stickers. They're like hen's teeth, so I'm really chuffed about getting it (although Freddie's obviously better!).

Moving Forward

I'm please to announce that due to a generous donation from Trailer Engineering, the first part of my solo expedition cost-saving exercise is moving forward. I now have the super-structure for the RockPod (TM) and have placed my order with Lewmar who have kindly (and patiently) agreed to supply the access and ventilation hatches for the shelter. Once these have arrived and been fitted, along with the fixing points previously supplied by William Hackett, I just need to insulate the RockPod and decide on a method of levelling it out once on Rockall.

The other half of the cost saving exercise, boat charter, continues in the background...

Good Bit of Press

I managed to get a good bit of press for the upcoming EU-189 and my own Rockall Solo expedition today albeit local to my home area. Hopefully some financial sponsorship may come of it...