Greg here — I received a couple satellite phone calls today (1:30am & 11:45am PST) from Jordan onboard the JRH. As suspected, they’ve been getting hammered by wind and waves directly out of the north, making for very challenging rowing. As the boat rocks quickly side-to-side, the oar blades get caught by the water and slam the oar handles right into your shins… we call them “little leaguers.” Back on the North Atlantic row, we likened it to a lineup of little league baseball players with their bats, each getting to take a good swipe at your shins! Levity in that situation is very helpful.
Waves are at about 6-7 feet at the moment, very choppy, “messy,” and unconsolidated. Everybody has puked at least once so far (even iron-stomached Markus!), and it’s a struggle to eat. As of this afternoon though the seas are stabilizing a bit and boat speed has picked up.
So far they’ve seen Marlin, Terns, and a host of other amazing sea life. Once conditions improve, look for excellent photos/video, and updates right from the cockpit.