So the boat finally launched on Monday with most of the others. Was a great feeling to have the boat finally in the water and set a line in my preparations.

Monday night I went out for my 12 night row and start to learn how to live on the boat. The problem with going out as a solo rower is that you can't just drift around when not rowing as I would have woken up on my way to Barbados a bit premeturely. So I got out in to the harbour and tied up to one of the buoys, got myself sorted on the boat, tried to sleep for a couple hours (which didn't really happen) and at 3am I headed out for a row. Even though I was still in site of land it was great to get some time on the oars at night and out there with no moon out it is bloody dark! For solo rowers there is different views on rowing at night, some guys/girls don't row at night at all and row for 12 hours during the day, while others (which is my plan) stick to a shift system.

Anyway was great to get a few hours in, was also joined out there by the Row2Recovery guys (with 2 of them rowing and the other 4 fast asleep!) and it all felt very safe and comfortable.

The last few days have been spent finalising everything on the boat and making sure everything on deck is tied on etc. I think because I have been given two weeks to get ready I have very much used those 2 weeks, I reckon if pushed I probably could have got everything ready in about 5 days...saves me getting bored though!

Sam arrived yesterday which was great and after seeing all the boats it got him thinking...maybe a 2013 competitor! We then had the launch party last night which was good fun, some cuban musicians and local food followed by some generous helpings of whisky courtesy of the sponsor!

Now with about 24 hours to go we are almost there. A few things left to do on the boat and other bits and pieces to sort but apart from that it is going to be a nice and relaxed day. Andrew, the other solo rower, his Mum is a vicar and at 12 is coming to bless KED and then we have a photocall at 1630, so a very quiet day really!

The next week or so is obviously going to be a bit nuts but my intention is to blog from the boat and keep everyone up to date along with tweeting. You are able to send messages to my phone, get hold of Mum for details of this.

I would also like to take this opportunity, from the bottom of my heart, to sincerely thank every single person who has helped me get to the start of this race. A solo row is never just one person rowing an ocean, the support of all their friends and family back home is what makes it possible, and I am unbelievably fortunate for all of you who have whole heartedly backed me on this row. I am sorry that I can't name you all on here as there are so many of you, but everyday out there on the row I will be thinking of you all and how you have helped me with this project.

Finally, it is possible to track my progress from the race website, go to www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com and click on Solo Atlantic Row 2011 at the bottom of the page and you can track me across!

Any other details to get in touch I will get onto here.

Thank you once again, and see you on the other side.