In this limited amount of time that I have left before leaving for Gran Canaria in December, my attention has been focussed on tidying up my knowledge and skills which are vital for the success of my project, particularly related to the boat’s electrical set-up. There have been some important changes in my team, which make me a lot more confident about being able to reach our goals. The boat is now out of the water for the final stages of the prep, which will involve an inventory of the equipment and food and trying to fit it into it in a way that is safe and with an easy access to the kit that I might need in an emergency.

My journey is fully planned and the ferry tickets are booked. I am leaving the UK with the boat in tow on December 10th and arriving in Gran Canaria on the 15th with a plan to push off to Barbados before Christmas.

We have been out training on the water gradually extending the range and time that we spend rowing in preparation for my solo transatlantic row. The boat handles great, but is very dependent on the elements, primarily the wind. Learning by small mistakes, while avoiding big ones is the name of the game while I am getting ready for Leo's Row in January. Fundraising for my Ukrops Ukraine medical charity remains my primary focus as I am approaching the final countdown before I take off from Gran Canaria,

I am excited to announce that my boat Happy Socks is finally ready for Leo’s Row. It has undergone some structural repairs and a series of rollover tests after which new solar batteries have been installed with new wiring done by a professional marine electrician. It has then been wrapped up in yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag, with yellow being one of the most easily seen colours on the surface of the Ocean. We have already been out in the Solent and are planning more extensive rows soon, including one around the Isle of Wight.

I am continuing with my training both in the gym and on the water, which has now completely replaced extended workouts on my Concept2 at home. The boat has undergone a series of roll-over tests and has now proven to be safe and stable. I am collecting it from the boatyard in Suffolk next week; then, it is back to Southampton where it will undergo a full electrical overhaul (change of batteries, solar panels and re-wiring) and wrapping up in a custom-made vinyl cover graphically designed for Leo’s Row. I am planning to start taking it out into the Solent by the end of July. I will need to do at least 100 nM of training in it in preparation for my transatlantic solo row.