Pacific Odyssey - Trans North Pacific Row

Vessel Name: Crackers
Vessel Make/Model: Ocean Rower
Hailing Port: Poole, Dorset UK
Crew: Tim Welford, Dom Mee
Extra:
In May of 2001 the crew of 'Crackers' will set out from Choshi, a small fishing village north of Tokyo, Japan. They will head out into the vast emptiness of the north Pacific Ocean on a great circle route towards the western shore of the United States some 5000 miles distant. They have to reach [...]
Recent Blog Posts
31 December 2001 | Exmouth, Devon, UK

Happy New Year!

What a year it has been, after being on dry land since September it's hard to believe that Tim and I were once rowing the Pacific. We are now preparing for the London Boat Show starting on the 3rd of January 2002, the last time we attended the show was last January along with 'Crackers'.

10 October 2001 | The Blue Boar, Poole, Dorset UK

Reflection

As you all now know, our North Pacific Unsupported rowing attempt came to a disastrous end when we were damaged and capsized beyond repair by an American fishing vessel. Now with our feet firmly on dry land and having got over the 'lucky to be alive' feeling we have to look at the positive aspects of [...]

22 September 2001 | Los Angeles

Rescued

As you know by now, Pacific Odyssey has come to a dramatic and premature end. The Tuna fishing vessel 'Judy S' collided with Crackers cutting the hull virtually in two, throwing Dom into the sea and leaving me trapped in the upturned hull. After getting out we were taken aboard the Judy S and amanged [...]

Happy New Year!

31 December 2001 | Exmouth, Devon, UK
Dom Mee
What a year it has been, after being on dry land since September it's hard to believe that Tim and I were once rowing the Pacific. We are now preparing for the London Boat Show starting on the 3rd of January 2002, the last time we attended the show was last January along with 'Crackers'.

I don't think Tim and I could ever have imagined we would return to the show so soon with only half of her. She was a great little boat protecting us from the very worst of the weather we encountered, it's sad to think that only the bow section now remains. Tim has been busy doing the majority of the work for Pacific Odyssey since we got back, something for which I owe him sincere thanks. His book writing is also taking shape, as is the documentary we will both keep you all posted. I've also been busy with my next expedition; "The Quest", which I will be officially launching at the London Boat Show 2002. The Quest aims to be the first circumnavigation of the globe under sail via the two Polar Regions in history. The project has been in the planning for the last three years and after a frantic period since September we are now ready to launch further details on my website at www.dommee.co.uk Tim and I will also be giving a presentation on Pacific Odyssey on 8 January 2002 at 1400hrs in the Wellington Suite Earls Court. All proceeds from the day which be donated to the Evolution Foundation a charity committed to providing IT and education to underprivileged children worldwide. If you would like to attend please contact the team or me direct at dommee@hotmail.com soonest as places are going very quickly. Finally thank to you out there who believed in Tim and I, your kind words and support will never be forgotten. Special thanks must go to our support team who really made Pacific Odyssey happen, Al Keir, Tony Higham, and Harry Moody I am sure we will all work together again. This year has been a great year and I will never forget it as I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. Let's take no prisoners and if you're going to be bear be a Polar bear. Happy New Year GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHH

Reflection

10 October 2001 | The Blue Boar, Poole, Dorset UK
Tim Welford
As you all now know, our North Pacific Unsupported rowing attempt came to a disastrous end when we were damaged and capsized beyond repair by an American fishing vessel. Now with our feet firmly on dry land and having got over the 'lucky to be alive' feeling we have to look at the positive aspects of the expedition. The collision virtually cut Crackers in two trapping me in the flooding back cabin and leaving Dom in the water. Within an hour of the collision we had salvaged as much equipment as we could aboard the vessel which hit us and Crackers back had broken.

Another fishing vessel was able to salvage the bow section which we will bring home to display at the Earls Court London Boat show on the Royal Navy and Royal Marines stand.

On looking back we were so close to achieving our goal. The worst of the weather was behind us and we were still on target for reaching San Francisco in mid October when success was so cruelly snatched away from us. We are now both working hard to make a documentary and I am writing a book to cover the whole expedition. We have an artist commissioned to do a painting of the boat at sea and will be producing a limited edition print. Dom is already involved in his next project, check out his website for more details. The attached pictures show in more detail the extent of damage to Crackers. I am sure that the Pacific will always be at the back of my thoughts, whatever I am doing. So look out for the book and documentary and watch this space!!

Tim

Rescued

22 September 2001 | Los Angeles
Tim Welford
As you know by now, Pacific Odyssey has come to a dramatic and premature end. The Tuna fishing vessel 'Judy S' collided with Crackers cutting the hull virtually in two, throwing Dom into the sea and leaving me trapped in the upturned hull. After getting out we were taken aboard the Judy S and amanged to salvage some of our equipment. Another fishing boat, the 'Al and Ken' then attempted recovery of Crackers but our faithful old boat snapped as she was hauled up the stern of the trawler. The aft section of Crackers then slipped slowly away into the deep never to be seen again.

Some time later the US Coastguard arranged for us to be transferred from the Judy S onto the Container carrier 'APL Iolite' which deviated some 200 miles from its normal course in order to take us on board. Had we not been the recipients of such generosity by APL we would have been tied to the fishing fleets programme. None of the trawlers intended to put their catch ashore until they were full and the next boat due to visit the canning factory a week off with a destination of West Samoa via Hawaii for fuel.

Once safely on board the APL Iolite Dom and I were extremely well looked after and we have made many new friends. A very warm and heartfelt thanks from Dom and I to Captain Peter Fernandes and his crew. Two days later we arrived in Los Angeles to a fantastic re-union with our wives and Al and Tony from our support crew.

Looking back so soon after such a major upheaval, we've no regrets. Accidents happen at sea and although this was a million to one chance, we always knew it was possible. We're both devastated to have been thwarted so close to land but very glad to be alive.

As to the future, well, who knows right now. Dom has plans for a major sailing expedition - watch this space! Finally for today, before we fly back to the UK, I must thank everyone who has been kind enough to send such fantastic messages of support both now and throughout the expedition. We'll be posting more news to this site for some time yet, so keep checking for photos of the accident and a more considered telling of the whole story.

All the very best, Tim.

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