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Back in the Saddle // Day 7

Shaun was upbeat and ready to make the most of some ‘perfect’ rowing conditions this morning. It is overcast and a bit glum but the wind is right and the temperature is starting to get cooler which will make rowing easier. Last night he felt like he was in the middle of a battlefield as thunder and lightning exploded around him!

As you can see on the live map, he has drifted in a southerly direction overnight. This is due to an anti-clockwise moving eddie that will continue to move him south and then take him east at a favourable latitude.

In response to questions regarding grounding a boat, to be honest I wasn’t sure what he meant either! Last night I questioned him and he chuckled: “well I’m not sure if what I did was needed but I’d prefer that the ocean got electrocuted instead of me!” Shaun went on to explain that he hung a wire from his antennae into the water. Maybe someone can clarify whether this had merit or was a waste of time. I’m sure he’ll appreciate knowing!

As at 8am NZ time Tasman Trespasser 2 is about 250 nautical miles from Australia. This won’t change a huge amount in the next day or two as he travels south but hopefully once he hits the easterly flow the distance will tick away steadily.

January 27, 2010 - 5:22 am Dave R - Yeah Shaun, the wire from the antenna to the water was a good idea. It takes quite a big wire to carry the full current of a full on lightning strike, but every bit helps. You are probably not at much risk as your boat is not tall, but I'd be hanging the wire into the sea if I were you! I've sailed the Tasman, and it looks a big place even from a 32 foot yacht.. must look even bigger from your height, and knowing it is only personal effort and determination that's going to get you home. Good on you.. you've earned a lot of respect just getting this far. Hope the rest of the trip goes as well.

January 26, 2010 - 11:19 pm Red Dogg Roberts - I can't believe what I'm reading. Just heard about this from here in London. What an epic thing to do! There's only one speed Quincey - Flat out! Good luck mate - will be logging on to check out progress. Good work on the Blog Bucky.

January 26, 2010 - 7:33 pm Richard S - Good that you are back on the handlebars after a few days of hangin'. Patience now will no doubt see you get the breaks as the journey unfolds mate. Heaps of people following you already, people you don't know and never met but they all feel part of the support crew behind you. Hope you enjoyed Australia Day !!!

January 26, 2010 - 7:31 pm Susie Williams - Hey Shaun, Did you hear about the two Aussie brunettes sitting outside a pub in Townsville, one turns to the other and says, which do you think is closer, the Moon or Melbourne? The reply... "Well Helloooooo can you see Melbourne from here"? So Shaun I guess the Moon looks closer than NZ, it's not. We love to look for satellites crossing the sky when we are on the water, do you look for them? I bet that the night sky is amazing mid Tasman. Following your progress, and planning on a few sales calls in NPL.. Love, Susie, Kevin, Stef and James Williams, Mai Bay

January 26, 2010 - 5:21 pm helen devine - still lovely weather on the westcoast of south Is so hope you are going toget into it soon

January 26, 2010 - 4:44 pm Jenny - Go Shaun!!!!

January 26, 2010 - 2:43 pm Bob - Good on you Sean. You have a whole heap of people willing you on. Can't imagine what it would be like to be sitting where you are, so like I lot of other desk jockeys I will have to live your experience vicariously. I remember your Dad coming to speak at our High School just after he had made his epic crossing. Can't remember a heck opf a lot else from School so he obviously made a big impact!

January 26, 2010 - 12:21 pm El Tigre - Keep it up Q Dog. Here's some light reading for ya! nsgl.gso.uri.edu/ncu/ncug95004.pdf

January 26, 2010 - 12:11 pm Anna McGovern- Times FM - Go you good thing! Well done mate.Sounds terrible but if anyone can do it you will!! Anna Spanna

January 26, 2010 - 10:34 am Michael Buckleigh - Hi Shaun, you are a legend m8. takes a strong soul to do what your doing. My whole family are supporting you. Keep on keeping on.

January 26, 2010 - 10:20 am Leanne - They are talking about Q on 1ZB. Very cool

January 26, 2010 - 8:30 am Nick laurie - Good to hear you can get some consistant rowing in now. We are all excited by your progress. It looks as though a left nut may be served up on toast shortly.

January 26, 2010 - 8:10 am Sophie Burtt - Great to hear you on the radio this morning Shaun! 8hrs = 1mm on the map....and a little bit closer to home!

January 26, 2010 - 6:37 am Laurie Margrain - The old wire in the water eh! Must talk to Munter about that one. Looks like a positive period happening. Lozza

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