Latest From Round- The- Poles Lone Sailor (Latest news from website)

NEWS from Adrian Flanagan, who left England five and a half months ago to circumnavigate the world via the poles, is that he is making steady progress towards Hawaii.
The following is the latest report of his progress, posted on the expedition website:-
“Adrian’s back-up computer seems to have now all but given up so we are very grateful to have the Satcom phone as we now rely on this almost 100% for communication. Adrian told me yesterday that in a moment of real depression concerning his ‘computer issues’ he reminded himself that none of his sailing heroes had even had email, let alone all the other gadgetry that is on Barrabas. After that reality check he started to feel better.

“Back home I am in full swing getting together the supply drop for Hawaii. I have managed to get the Waikiki Yacht Club to agree to help with the drop and I am very grateful to Commodore Ivan Chan Wa for his pledge of assistance. The plan is that sponsor DHL will fly the shipment to Hawaii and deliver it to the Waikiki Yacht Club who will in turn deliver it somewhere off-shore on to Barrabas. Ivan has also promised something tasty from their restaurant. Adrian now has not seen fresh food for five and a half months.

I also want to say a huge thank you to Niamh Lyon at Timberland for not flinching once when I presented her with a further very ambitious wish list over lunch in London a few weeks ago! Timberland and Kemp Sails are generously supplying us with a brand new spinnaker which will really help Adrian make up some lost time on his way from Hawaii to Russia.

I have been back on the phone as I was at the beginning of this adventure begging, stealing and borrowing. Only this time it has been somewhat easier as Adrian has managed to achieve so much. I’d like to thank some new sponsors who have come on board over the past couple of weeks. Musto for providing essential quality clothing for the adverse conditions Adrian will undoubtedly meet during the coming months, RS for supplying some vital electrical components, John Lewis (High Wycombe) and Waitrose (Thame) for supplying lots of bits and pieces Adrian requested such as a new digital camera and plastic mixing bowls. Over the next week or so I will share the full shopping list along with the sponsors who have very kindly fulfilled it.

www.alphaglobalex.com

Last Updated ( Thursday, 13 April 2006 )
Photo: Adrian Flanagan waves ‘goodbye’ to family and well-wishers, back in October 2005. (Copyright: Rob Wheal)