Stage 2: Aberdyfi to Aberaeron

First off we'd like to thank Dovey Yacht Club for their amazing hospitality, feeding us and giving us somewhere to sleep for the night. The support we've had on this trip so far has been second to none - the rowing family is truly awesome!

And yes, originally this was supposed to read 'Stage 2: Aberdyfi to New Quay' and while we are staying the night in New Quay, the weather proved just too much for us to row all the way here today. So Aberaeron it is!

Although we're pretty chuffed to have reached this far, having said that!

This morning we were greeted with the unhappy news that we were going to have to abort the days row due to reports of terrible winds - again! A grumpy bunch of rowers, we drank copious amounts of tea & coffee, ate too much cake and spent the morning trying to decide on a plan B - either walk some of the coastal path or row around in the Dyfi Estuary for a few hours. Not a decision we wanted to make.

However, closer to midday the weather seemed to improve and Gerry (our challenge coordinator extraordinaire) was on his phone non-stop liaising with other yacht clubs and harbour masters down the coast. There was a glimmer of hope. The conditions weren't looking at all bad.

Suddenly the row was back on and the boat was in the water before you could blink, with the first crew instructed to head for Aberystwyth and reasses when the harbour was reached. Reports back from the boat were that the waves were no worse than the day before & progress was quick with the crew arriving in style to Aberystwyth harbour (pic above).

Unfortunately along the way our RIB overheated and had to be deposited in Borth for urgent repairs with Cambrian Marine...right now we're in need of some luck please!!?! Any ideas, send your answers on a postcard! (Preferably answers that involve someone with a spare RIB to lend us somewhere in mid Wales...thanks!)

However, with conditions reassessed & deemed to be much the same as we were accustomed to, the second crew of the day set out to Aberaeron, although the thought was that New Quay could be reached if things went to plan.

BUT...the weather was not playing (surprise!) After a humungous row and massive effort from a hardy crew the decision was made to come into a fairly low water harbour at Aberaeron with plenty of support staff on hand to help bring the boat in safe.

Spirits were high as we'd never expected to get this far today after the initial rubbish start to the day. Only 3 miles by sea behind schedule and we're all pretty happy, safe and dry and being looked after like Kings in New Quay Yacht Club - amazing grub and a toasty club house to have a celebratory pint in after a hard day at sea.

So now to see what will happen tomorrow - weather is looking distinctly dodgy so it'll be another play it by ear kind of day. Keep tuned to find out what happens!!