Mick is interviewed on BBC Radio Northampton

On Monday evening I travelled to Northampton and was interviewed live on the Monday Night Sport Show. I took with me a number of items that we will be taking with us on the boat including one of our emergency satellite positioning beacons, GPS, VHF radio and short of something to put them in one of our fundraisising buckets.

The bucket however is a significant item of equipment on the boat as there is no toilet on board and great hilarity ensued as I described its function in a process known as 'bucket and chuck it'.

A 15 minute interview enabled me to put across what we are trying to achieve and who we are raising money for.

Thanks very much to presenters Laura, Geoff and James for making it an enjoyable experience

Beatles, Manfreds, OG's, Fireworks, Brides and Rain!

Staurday 11th July saw us both with the boat with the kind permission of the Oundle International Music Festival at the annual music and fireworks concert in Oundle. A sell out crowd of 5,500 people watched local group the OG's perform together with the Bootleg Beatles (the premier Beatles tribute band) and the Manfreds (featuring many of the original members fo the Manfred Man Band).

With the boat in the main concert field we were able to get an excellent view of the bands and had a lot of interest in what we were doing. We potentially attracted some commercial sponsors however of note was one enquiry from a lady who ran a bridal wear company who asks if we would do the row in wedding dresses! I've heard of most things but two blokes rowing the Atlantic dressed as brides might send out some interesting messages! We did however volunteer to take a boquet or top hat with us.

The rain almost held off for the night but unfortunately decided ith an hour to go to give everyone a soaking. As ever the cockpit area of the boat filled with rain water (we must get a new bilge pump, anyone interesting in sponsoring this, please call!).

A fantastic fireworks display finished the evening and the rain did nothing to dampen peoples spirits. Many thanks to all those who donated to us on the evening.

Remember you can also sponsor us on line with Gift Aid using the weblinks on the blog and our website.

VIP's? and Royalty

Friday the 19th June saw Mick at the East of England Show in Peterborough together with the boat. We were sharing a stand with our sponsors who make the Incredible Kraken tape.

The Duke of Gloucester was at the show and spent ten minutes talking to Mick about the row and looking at the boat. He was accompanied by an ITV news film crew and a short clip of the two chatting made that evenings news, with the presenter saying that if people looked carefully they may see some VIP's (cue shot of Mick) or some royalty (pans out to show the Duke).

Richard joined Mick on Saturday and Sunday in raising the profile for our row.

We are also now both dab hands at demonstrating The Incredible Kraken Tape and it's ability to seal leaking pipes without the need to turn the water off.