You may remember from a position report long ago (2 months maybe) that we had met a crazy group of people in Gomera (Canary Islands) who were getting ready to race across the Atlantic in row boats. Open cockpit row boats ranging in length from 23 to 30 feet in length.
We wished them well and told them we'd see them on the other side.
Well, here we are in Antigua (English Harbor) and there are 6 boats already here! Charles saw the first boat tied to the dock, 'Go Commando', and we recognized it as one we had seen being loaded up with food and water a few months ago in Gomera.

We then found out that another boat was due to arrive in a few hours and might even set a record in the process. We decided to wait around to see 'Oyster Shacks' landfall.

They arrived around 2pm to loud cheers, horns, and a steel band.

They were obviously thrilled to be finished with the race and could not wait to see friends and family.

They also set a new world record for the time from Gomera to Antigua in a 6 man row boat. Good job guys! Check out their web site at Oyster Shack's home page
and the race web site at The Woodvale Challenge 2007
for more information about the boats and the crews.

There are still a lot of boats out there to cheer for and they all have their own web sites where you can track their progress.
Our personal favorite is Paul Attalla, a solo racer who is at the back of the pack right now.

We met him and his lovely family in Gomera and learned a little about the challenges he was about to face with the solo crossing. We will not get to meet Paul when he arrives in Antigua as he is still at least 30 days out. Please visit his web site to read his story and send him a few words of encouragement!
Paul Attalla's web site