Thursday 3/7-2008, 18.40
11.09 log 13, no wind, pouring rain. We row out of the harbour at high tide to join the favourable current to Wicklow.
We hope for a north-westerly wind. At the moment there is no wind and we make ready for long- distance rowing. That is where we row on every third oar, changing every half-hour. You row for half an hour, and have an hour’s break.
12.00, log 16, north-westerly wind, 4.5 metres/sec. The wind is up and we set sail. Current: 1.5 knots.
14.00, log 27, north-westerly wind, 7 metres/sec. Speed through the water is 4.2 knots. Speed over ground is 6.7 knots. Current is therefore 2.5 knots.
15.00, log 33, westerly wind, 7 metres/sec. Getting close to Wicklow Head. The current is pushing us east. So we can’t head into harbour. We change tack towards land.
16.12, log 38, west-south-westerly wind, 6 metres/sec. Current 1.5 knots. We hope we can head for harbour, but we have to concentrate. The crew sits down to reduce wind resistance.
16.49, log 40, west-south-westerly wind, 3 metres/sec. We take down the sail and row into harbour on every second oar.
17.06, log 41, west-south-westerly wind, 3 metres/sec. The ship is moored. Good sailing today.