Sarah could not have asked for a better send off today. The people of Chatham really did her proud. There must have been 150 or more people down at the beach today, school children with fantastic signs, her Chatham family, friends and well wishers. Two friends even drove all the way down from Quebec last night to see her off this morning. Super special.
Press time
It was a cloudless sky, the sun was blazing out on the water today and the wind was doing useful things. Sarah left on time at 0945 with 8 escort boats; a mix of the Harbour master, Coast guard and friends on on-board and with plenty a of shouting and ‘wooping’ from the beach.
So many lovely people down to see Sarah off
The escorts saw her past the sand bar and turned back and a couple of boats followed her out a little further. Alan the superstar at Ryder’s Cove boatyard let me aboard his boat, (brave man with an emotional woman!).
Friends and media escort Sarah out
Sarah and I said our final goodbyes bobbing around on the ocean, with the sun dancing off the water. It was amidst tears, and happy laughs and orders of ‘don’t forget to tell Sara I’ve left,’ and ‘don’t forget to eat the humous I made in the fridge’ that I then sat and watched as she rowed away from me, eventually out of sight, blending quietly into the skyline, becoming another dancing, dazzling spark that she is in the seascape.
Last minute sorting of fresh fruit to last a few weeks
I flew back out Sunday evening to be with Sarah this week. When I tried to explain why I needed to come back out I couldn’t – I just knew I had to be out here. Being the most involved with the expedition at this stage, then I had ever been, it felt really incomplete leaving without seeing her off. We both needed closure on wrapping up this chapter together.
So I sit here now tapping away, eyes filled with tears but they are mostly happy tears, happy she is safely away, happy I could come back out and see her off and happy that she is right where she needs to be right now – and for the next 3 or so months.
and… she’s away
Keep watching Sarah’s movements on her tracker and any charity donations to celebrate the first day of many out on the Atlantic please follow this link.
Here’s to the Atlantic adventure!
Lucy x
And a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped Sarah along the way and to the wonderful Carol and Colleen who stayed behind to see me off the boat. Superstars.
” tis better ’twere done quickly”
Thanks so much for this update Lucy. When I heard you had flown back over to see Sarah off I was just so happy for you both. You are right, it did seem right. I have been refreshing this link all day hoping for an update. Thanks from all her followers and supporters. Cheers.
Thanks Lucy for that lovely update to let us all know Sarah is safely on her way, what a send off.
Happy rowing Sarah and may the wind blow you in the right direction for the UK. We look forward to hearing from you in due course.
All good wishes and salty best
kathleen and Christine
Good luck. Enjoy.
Margaret
Go Sarah! We’re thinking of you and will be tracking you all the way, sending you fair winds and following seas.
Lucy, you’re awesome and Ms Outen is so lucky to have you as her #1 fan.
Big love,
Steve & Elsa
I’m gonna huff, and puff, and blow positive winds in your favor from all the way over here in Japan. Hope they reach when you need them. Safe journey, Sarah and calm nerves, Lucy!
Wishing you many blessings for your onward ‘row in the boat’ across the big pond!
Love reading all your posts and look forward to your safe return.
Safe travels
The ONeil family
That looked like a wonderful day for weather and a big send off. Cheers.
Bon Voyage, Dear one.
Luce that was so beautifully said. I am so so glad you returned. Luce with your returning I think you made this last leg of Sarahs trip go as smooth as it possibly could. (good job listening to your gut and being spontaneous ) I look forward to seeing your wedding photos someday. I will miss you! With love Joyce
I shall be watching this page anxiously for the next three months, with fingers and toes crossed for good winds and calm seas. Even more, my thoughts are with you, Lucy, as you wait at home for your sweetheart to come home. May the next three months go quickly for you!
Judy
Hi Lucy, Another story in another chapter you have shared together!! What a book it’s going to be when the next phase is finished!!! You both have so many shared memories to see you through this next leg. Stay strong. Love and hugs xx
Lucy, so nice to meet you
Sarah I am in Happy Socks with you the whole way
Love Marj
Last time we followed one of your ocean adventures, it was when I read A Dip in the Ocean last year and found out about the kind of thing you get up to! This time we will be tracking you live and just imagining what it will be like out at sea. Thinking of you and wishing you the currents and winds you hope for!
Best wishes,
Andy & Jan Homden
I was thnking about you today. It is a beautiful day in Chicago. Hope all is well. Gina Kolk