Messages
Hello gents. Hope the coral burns and various other wounds are mending well.
Luise and Daniel, 03 Sep 2011 12:10 BST
Many congratulations on your remarkable and outstanding 'hair raising' achievement!
Humphrey Davis, 22 Aug 2011 10:54 BST
Congrats again on a fine and thrilling achievement but also wanted to drink a toast and say how much I admired Thea, John and family for being so exceptionally loving, brave and considerate to you. love Jill
jill sim, 21 Aug 2011 11:44 BST
Fantastic guys. Now, please DON'T start planning the next exploit yet - let your parents get used to the idea of grey hair first!
Vivien Gillman, 20 Aug 2011 18:17 BST
So glad to hear of your miraculous recovery, but from what?
The "incident" was a week ago and the village don't yet know what happened?
Please tell, on the "news" section, please!
TonyBugbird, Compton, Guildford, UK., 20 Aug 2011 10:41 BST
Dear Ben and James,
Our entire crew was on edge with news of your capsizing. We're super happy
you're okay and live to reap the rewards of breaking the record! Sweet! CONGRATULATIONS
Come tell us about it in person one day soon. Email us.
Best to you both!
--
OAR Northwest http://oarnorthwest.com
Otto
Executive Director
OAR Northwest, 19 Aug 2011 19:46 BST
Was great to see you in good shape last night at GBYC after our first encounter at night on the coral reef of Mahebourg . Thanks for the nice gathering and your thoughtful present. Your gesture was very much appreciated. We will keep wonderful memories of this rescue operation which has been a very enriching experience for us. Congratulations again for your wonderful achievment which no doubt required tremendous courage and determination. Well done and all the best in all your future endeavours. Will keep in touch. Cheers
Eric , Dimitri and Alexis, 19 Aug 2011 18:00 BST
James & Ben
Whew! Very glad to hear and see that you made it. Well Done! Top beards too!
Chris & Pepin, 19 Aug 2011 11:50 BST
Into the Valley of Death they Rowed! And conquered, showing True Grit...Huge admiration for you. Well Done, and Well done for surviving a hair-raising end to an epic journey.xx Jo&Pete relatives of Indian Runner4
Jo & Pete Cross, 18 Aug 2011 21:08 BST
Amazing to hear you are back on dry land. Huge congratulations and looking forward to several celebratory drinks with you back on Mud Island. xx
Catherine, Ant and Fay Lewis, 18 Aug 2011 13:14 BST
no words...just amazing! You can ne proud of you, Congrats! Julien
Julien from Ghana, 18 Aug 2011 12:15 BST
We can find no words ... Well done!
Annie and John Lamb, 17 Aug 2011 19:14 BST
I was unaware of your voyage until very recently. A huge congratulations on completing what must have been the most arduous, exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding and from my personal point of view, inspiring journey.
But please don't as you say "go back to topping up the Oyster card". Do something else, inspire us some more!
Awesome.
Gary, 17 Aug 2011 13:13 BST
You are genuine heroes. Very many congratulations to you both - the heartwarming accounts almost brought a tear to my eye. Jewlian has been giving us real time updates of your buffet breakfast bonanza x
Reyniers, 17 Aug 2011 11:15 BST
Congratulations. ! Lucky it was private volunteers looking for ( and finding ) you !
cheers
pipo
pipo, 17 Aug 2011 08:22 BST
Congratulations to you, your family and friends supporters and sponsors very well done indeed.
I hope you achieve your next challenge be it the routine of London or another adventure on the high seas because now you have shown you are both strong enough to survive and are lucky [ Napoleon recognized lucky generals ] and so will sponsors so GOOD LUCK AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU.
John
John, 17 Aug 2011 08:11 BST
Well done Chaps.. true British spirit at its best. Should you find our climate here a little chilly please pop down to our Fulham road shop and let us show our appreciation by offering you the Tweed Tamer discount rate on all of your purchases.
All the best from us here at WS
Walker Slater Tweed Tailors, 17 Aug 2011 07:57 BST
CONGRATULATIONS! RATHER A DRAMATIC FINALE THOUGH BY THE SOUND OF THINGS. We are all very relieved, thrilled and filled with admiration.
best wishes
Dianne and Robin Garnett, 17 Aug 2011 06:56 BST
101 year ago - almost to the date. http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bataille_de_Grand_Port
Well done guys!
Roland, 17 Aug 2011 04:14 BST
You d'a man Captain xx
Ned Adair, 16 Aug 2011 22:43 BST
Excellent...how fantastic...just an amazing achievement of human spirit and determination and courage.
Stephen, 16 Aug 2011 18:22 BST
imagine you're a BBC journalist on holiday and then not one but TWO Tom-Hanks-out-of-Castaway's turn up in your hotel after a near-death experience. Jackpot! Great photos on the BBC website, news spreading like wildfire back home... Enormous big slap on the back for getting there in one piece boys, congratulations and have a drink on me. Finney
Ben Finney, 16 Aug 2011 15:44 BST
Wish I had the guts to do something like that! You make alot of people proud!!!! Well done!!!
Dolphins are always a sign of good luck!
Brigitte, 16 Aug 2011 15:06 BST
Amazing news to have you both back on dry land after quite the dramatic arrival...
Such an incredible achievement - well done! Katie xx
Katie Hepburn, 16 Aug 2011 14:42 BST
Congratulations guys. An epic trip. You have demonstrated enormous mental, emotional and physical strength and courage. And you survived! Awesome. Well done.
Hamish, Gloucestershire, 16 Aug 2011 13:54 BST
Adventure of a lifetime - to the very end! Congratulations to you both for a great achievement. James, I look forward to standing you a pint in Daft Eddie's and hearing all about it (two if you can still roll a kayak!)
Jackie and wilson, 16 Aug 2011 12:52 BST
Congratulations to you both. I have to say it was quite dramatic enough without the twist at the end. Are you thinking of a film? Can't say well done enough. You are amazing. Have a great time in Mauritius.
Sara Smyth, 16 Aug 2011 12:18 BST
Hi,I had the opportunity to coordinate the rescue operation launched by helicoper and coast guard boats at Grand Port Mauritius.Nice to see you finally ashore and in good shape.Congratulations on completing the race.
Yogesh Athawale, 16 Aug 2011 10:25 BST
Hi there , congratulations on your safe arrival in Mauritius
A.Couper. Geraldton.
A.Couper.Geraldton, 16 Aug 2011 04:03 BST
hahah wow absolutly love the picture 5.... those beards are just so good
mike knowles, 15 Aug 2011 23:53 BST
What a relief to know that you made it and finally arrived safe on land. Congratulations!!! Hope you enjoy all the things that you missed and you will spend a very good, deserved time in Mauritius. All the best wishes for your birthday Ben.
Carine, 15 Aug 2011 22:05 BST
wow, amazing guys. you've made it. many many congratulations. There will never be a dull dinner party with you guys around I can assure you! Terrific, full of admiration
pete (atlantic 1997), 15 Aug 2011 21:18 BST
Well done well done indeed. that reef is a monster. oh well done so proud to know you.
love and hugs Big James Caroline, Annabel, Ursula , Barnaby and Gabrielle.
well well done.so exciting brave and clever.
Gabrielle and all the munns, 15 Aug 2011 20:09 BST
Well done lads, an inspiration to us all
Andy ( Gardener ) , 15 Aug 2011 19:52 BST
Well done indeed from the whole of St Gregory's Society. We have been watching in awe.
Jake Francis-Jones, 15 Aug 2011 19:26 BST
Its an awesome achievement ! Hhow good it must be to see something other vast vast areas of salty water! Just Brilliant and so inspiring. I take all my hats off to you both- x x x Georgie Gill
Georgie Gill, 15 Aug 2011 19:02 BST
Fantastic effort - many congratulations on an incredible achievement
Martyn and SueHurst, 15 Aug 2011 18:44 BST
Very Well Done. A great achievement. We look forward to hearing all about it.
Enjoy your well earned rest.
Very sincerely
Glennys and all your friends at GBSSG
Glennys Sanders Founder and Hon President of GBSSG, 15 Aug 2011 17:01 BST
What a triumph! A truly amazing feat. Many congratulations, enjoy! Much love du Pon family.
du Pon family, 15 Aug 2011 16:11 BST
Well done guys!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should be so proud of yourselves, I hope you enjoy acclimatising on dry land and can't wait to hear all the stories once you're back home.
Anna xxxx
Anna Tolley, 15 Aug 2011 15:47 BST
What an epic adventure, an amazing achievement and an entrance to Mauritus you will never forget. Congratulations Ben and James, you must be so delighted and relieved at the same time. Happy Birthday Ben! With so much love from Jane, Katie, Jess, Tom and Charlie.xxx
Jane Olden, 15 Aug 2011 15:20 BST
Great to hear you have arrived - many congratulations. Awesome pictures of you auditioning for Robinson Crusoe!
Look forward to seeing you when you get home.
James BS
James BS, 15 Aug 2011 14:17 BST
Congrats boys. Most impressive!
Stu
Stu Springham, 15 Aug 2011 14:07 BST
Was rowing 3100 miles such a doddle you felt the need to inject some drama at the finale? Thank God for Mauritian Man U. fans! So thrilled and relieved that you are safely on terra firma and in awe of your courageous and remarkable achievement -- absolutely fantastic.
Melissa Hodgson, 15 Aug 2011 14:05 BST
Well done for this achievement. I am very happy to attend to your rescue. keep well!
Alexis Adam, 15 Aug 2011 13:49 BST
"thank God you're alive!"
mary channing, 15 Aug 2011 13:39 BST
Well done to you both - a dramatic arrival and a close shave by all accounts. The angels and the locals were looking after you!
Congratulations. Looking forward to hearing more details later.
Love Paul Sally and Family x
Paul Macpherson, 15 Aug 2011 13:19 BST
Ben & James
Fantastic to hear of your successful & more importantly eventual safe return to dry land. You can be justly proud of your amazing achievement & I look forward to shaking you both by the hand on your return to the UK.
Enjoy your well earned rest in Mauritius & recuperate from your ordeal.
All the very best wishes from myself & those at The Skiff Club in Teddington.
Cheers Roger
Roger Haines, 15 Aug 2011 13:10 BST
Awesome brave achievement guys, So impressive!
christian, 15 Aug 2011 12:26 BST
Congratulations gentlemen!!! Enjoy bed, beer and buffets!! Hope to see yous soon.
Luise and Daniel, 15 Aug 2011 12:07 BST
Fantastic effort boys! So chuffed for you and can't wait to see you back in London for a beer. Massive congratulations!!!
James Kayll, 15 Aug 2011 11:22 BST
well done guys, slightly fraught ending but so pleased you're back on terra firma and most importantly safe.
Not sure what to do with myself now I can't follow the wiggly line across the sea every day.
JG, 15 Aug 2011 11:13 BST
Congratulations from GBS Support Group
Caroline Morrice, 15 Aug 2011 10:43 BST
FANTASTIC !! Well done Ben & James - this is an achievement.that cannot be overstated. Enjoy every minute of your success and all those home comforts.
Kindest regards,
Russell
Russell B Hamilton, 15 Aug 2011 10:41 BST
Well done, what else can I say ? "Wish it were me ?" you bet. best wishes Tony and Judith Bugbird.
Tony and Judith Bugbird, 15 Aug 2011 10:15 BST
Nutters!!!! Just heard about the landing! Apparently you are the FIRST team to ever row and swim across an ocean. LEGENDS! Enjoy the buffet boys.
Kels
Kels, 15 Aug 2011 09:57 BST
All the OAP tennis team from Shamley Green send love and best wishes on such an epic journey.Many congratulations to you both- we have been following your progress with wonder and trepidation ..Susanna.Jenny-Tricia-Helenxxx
Helen Hornett, 15 Aug 2011 09:32 BST
Congratulations!
Katka, 15 Aug 2011 09:22 BST
Many congratulations boys! So pleased to hear that you are on dry land and what a relief that must be. So impressed with what you've achieved and can't wait to see you and hear all about it x
Lucy Garnsworthy, 15 Aug 2011 08:59 BST
A million congratulatiions from all the family we are in awe!
Diana and William Upcott, 15 Aug 2011 08:47 BST
Guys, your beards are incredible. It was inevitable that you were going to arrive with a bang, glad your safe, your poor mum and girlfriends. see you in London soon, Duncan x
Duncan, 15 Aug 2011 08:42 BST
SOOOO many congratulations to you both on an AMAZING achievement .....enjoy the time in Mauritius...
Margaret
Margaret 20man, 15 Aug 2011 08:11 BST
Wonderful courageous guys. You've done it. Congrats from Eastbury Lane
David & Drina, 15 Aug 2011 08:07 BST
CONGRATULATIONS! We are absolutely relieved and ecstatic to know you have arrived safely in Mauritius. Welldone guys incredible acheivement, and after the 17 baths and 4 crates of beer, we look forward to seeing you in London to give you some of our wedding cake.
Tom and Abbie xxxxx
Tom and Abbie Jackson, 15 Aug 2011 07:55 BST
Awoke this morning with technology telling us that you still had 27NM to go. Therefore very excited on reading messages to see that you have arrived safely. Many many congratulations, an amazing feat. Enjoy the moment.
Family Etchells, 15 Aug 2011 07:38 BST
So very glad that you are safe, drama to the end but YOU ROWED THE INDIAN OCEAN!! A million more congratulations.
Anne and Mark Flecchia
Anne Flecchia, 15 Aug 2011 07:32 BST
Congratulations, Ben and James, on this courageous exploit. You are wonderful! Bienvenue sur terre!
Much love Bod
bod webster, 15 Aug 2011 07:13 BST
Well done, you guys are amazing. Great birthday present Ben. Enjoy the dry land.
Warren & Hester, 15 Aug 2011 06:06 BST
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!
I understand you put your parents through a traumatic experience 31 years ago and I know for sure there was a while during the last day of your 30th year when you again caused everyone some anxiety….!
Welcome to Mauritius and I’m looking forward to having that Phoenix on you and James.
Tony, 15 Aug 2011 05:02 BST
congrats come and do it again in 2 years God Bless and good luck in future endeavours Lesley from Geraldton
lesley, 15 Aug 2011 04:21 BST
what an achievement! youi guys are incredible, congratulations! enjoy those drinks lets catch up in sept!
Giles, 15 Aug 2011 01:36 BST
Absolutely amazing achievement and so pleased you have made it. I bet you are still buzzing! YEY! I am sure Caroline is super excited...Massive C o N g R a T u L a T i O n S ! Amy :)
Amy Briden, 15 Aug 2011 00:10 BST
Congrats boys! Heros!!!
Really looking forward to a catch up beer. Enjoy
Kels
Kels, 14 Aug 2011 23:42 BST
James and Ben - you are legends - many many congratulations. It must be amazing to be on terra firma, not to mention a big soft bed, shower, shave, loo and proper meal. Enjoy it all and bask in the glory you so deserve.
Gilly Keith, 14 Aug 2011 23:05 BST
This is wonderful news. You must be feeling so proud! That 1st beer must be like the scene in 'Ice cold in Alex" !!
So relieved as I'm sure you are,and thank God for your safe arrival. lol xx
Neil and Tina Yockney, 14 Aug 2011 23:00 BST
Nick rang tonight after speaking to Ben, to say that you had arrived safely . A fantastic achievement and we send our love and best wishes to you both, and your families.
Robbie and Kate Howard, 14 Aug 2011 22:53 BST
AND THEY'RE IN!!!! Amazing news! Massive congratulations to James and Ben who are now safe and sound in the bar..........
Team Indian Runner II, 14 Aug 2011 20:25 BST
Ben and James, many, many congratulations. You have made it as we all knew you would. So sorry not to be there to greet you. I and all the family send you hugs and kisses. Can't wait to see you and was lovely to talk to you on your arrival . Thank God !!!
Grandma xxx
Nancy Macpherson, 14 Aug 2011 19:53 BST
Way to go guys, nearly there. Best wishes from John and Annie.
John Lamb, 14 Aug 2011 19:51 BST
Thinking of you both and wishing you well for the last leg.Grandchildren Ted and Fox very excited by real adventurers on real WAVES! Congratulations on an amazing trip. love
Jill
jill sim, 14 Aug 2011 18:30 BST
Awesome. Enjoy the party on the beach. Welcome home. Congratulations.
Laney and Peter Randell, 14 Aug 2011 17:59 BST
James and Ben, This is going to be the most amazing achievement not only physical but mental. We have enjoyed our armchair involvement so much, we're really quite overwhelmed by the excitement of it all ! Hang in there for the last few miles, I know that Thea for one will be racing up and down the waterline. Nearly there! Diz and Chris Summers
Diz and Chris Summers, 14 Aug 2011 15:50 BST
james and Ben,
You're so nearly there. What a huge and wonderful achievement for you both. We think you're amazing. Well done. Looking foward to seeing lots of photos as we can't be in Mauritus to meet you. Take care and go well and safely till the last . All love to you both
Neil and Tina
tina and neil, 14 Aug 2011 15:41 BST
Down to the final strokes! Now for that last burst of speed! (Of course, I've never been in a rowing race longer than a couple of miles.) Onward men -- there's a lot waiting for you over the horizon!
shel and kay sheldon, 14 Aug 2011 15:35 BST
Very nearly there, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It's been fun tracking your progress, love the SMS updates. Enjoy the well deserved celebration, we'll toast a Club for you here in Ghana!! Kathy & Hilary x
Kathy & Hilary, 14 Aug 2011 14:23 BST
It's been great following you on this amazing voyage through all the varied conditions you've experienced. A fantastic and heroic achievement. Huge congratulations.
Christopher.
Christopher Courtauld, 14 Aug 2011 12:00 BST
Almost there! You will make it before your birthday Ben?
Wish we were there to welcome you home. You are both with us in our thoughts as you finish this amazing voyage!
Love and early congratulations from Paul Sally and family x
Alexander Paul Macpherson, 14 Aug 2011 11:10 BST
Only 1% to go now, so you are very close to completing a mammoth undertaking. Our hearts go out to you in your triumph. When we know you have arrived, we shall share your celebrations here in Hascombe. Congratulations.
Tammy & Roger Wood, 14 Aug 2011 08:50 BST
Adair and Ben so sorry we can't be there to welcome you on the beach. Felix has an infected ankle, although i am sure not a patch on your ailments! We are thinking of you all the time and willing you on for the last bit. See you VERY soon lol Felixs
James and Antonia , 14 Aug 2011 01:24 BST
So exciting for all involved. Not far now and I am sure you will have the most terrific welcome at the Yacht Club. Happy memories of seeing the Rowing for Prostate team arrive - and will never forget the relief of having a son and team mates safefly back. I would hate to go through that wait again! Many congratulations.
Sue Wigram, 13 Aug 2011 21:20 BST
our last message for a safe return guys!!
we will miss the 3-daily checks on you!! and please let the other guy row a bit faster!!
have a lovely time with parents family and friends on the beach.
carole-marian and hinkinus
marian and hinkinus, 13 Aug 2011 20:13 BST
James, Ben, It has been an enormous privilege to follow you over the ocean. Thank you for the interesting blogs, many many congratulations and enjoy the well deserved welcome I know you will receive on landing. A truly heroic achievement! Well done.
Anne and Mark Flecchia
Anne and Mark Flecchia, 13 Aug 2011 19:57 BST
Only one day to go it seems! Enjoy walking, sleeping and eating again when you get there!!!!!!!! Wish we could be there to welcome you xxxx
David, Celia, Liana, Mikey, 13 Aug 2011 17:37 BST
Gents,
This is probably going to be my last message to you as by the time I finish work tomorrow, hopefully you will have landed.
Its been an absolute pleasure following your progress, reading your blogs and imagining what your going through..
By now im sure you are full of emotion, that horizon will be glowing tonight, and tomorrow (fingers crossed), you will see that amazing spectacle, land!
You are both amazing guys and an inspiration to us all..
Enjoy your last few miles!!
Stay safe and strong,
Best wishes,
Neil (ARR09)
Neil Gyllenship, 13 Aug 2011 17:31 BST
Extraordinary achievement.... I'm speechless. Enjoy it all in the next few days and make sure that Ben (Keith) welcomes you in the way you deserve. Many many congratulations, Gilly & Brian
Gilly Keith, 13 Aug 2011 15:12 BST
bravo!!!
mary channing and family, 13 Aug 2011 15:06 BST
Hi Ben and James! Only a few hours left. Everyone in the GBSSG is cheering you on. Have a great time at the beach. You're famous - my 93 year old cousin in NZ had heard all about you.
James BS, 13 Aug 2011 15:01 BST
Hi there,to the rowers still going.You have done amazingly well and achieved so much.Not far to go now.Hope you enjoyed the experience.Have a great time of celebration when you reach land. Very well done. A.Couper.Geraldton.
A.Couper. Geraldton, 13 Aug 2011 14:06 BST
If our hearts are bursting with pride what must your mothers be feeling? This epic voyage has been part of our lives for so long that we will miss it - but - the happy ending on the last page is what we really want. Incredibly well done, James and Ben.
Ros and Philip Lawson, 13 Aug 2011 13:37 BST
Amazing achievement, so close now. The 3rd pair to make the trip and the first pair to do it unsupported. Hope you enjoy the well deserved welcome when you arrive. I have been following you all the way and praying for your safety. Best wishes from an IR4 supporter.
Serena Walcot, 13 Aug 2011 11:56 BST