Stage 7: Wisemans Bridge to....Saundersfoot

This was supposed to read 'Wisemans Bridge to Mumbles' but it was clear fairly early on in our attempt that the wind was, once again, determined to scupper our plans.

After a merry night in Wisemans Bridge with some of the local rowers, we were all up early and ready for what was due to be a 7 hour day at sea, all crew changes would be from our 2 support ribs (including a much larger one we'd hired from Seal Safaris in Tenby), with all 16 rowers at sea for the whole duration. Everyone was packed up and ready to go, with a few last minute toilet stops to make sure there were no awkward moments at sea!

Our first 4 rowers (Richard G, Blacky, Lawrence & Bob) were guided out into the lumpy sea by experienced cox Pippa, to make sure the days attempt had the best start & chance of success. We also had a Wisemans boat joining us for some fun on the waves which was brilliant to see – we've looked forward to being joined by other rowing clubs along the way, but so far the weather has put paid to any plans made...and unfortunately today wasn't that different in the end!

The rest of the rowers headed out on the big support rib we'd hired for the day while ours is (hopefully) fixed, and aimed to meet up with the celtic in the bay. However, the wind was rising and coming in on a South Easterly straight into the bay – the local crew on our big rib told us that it's pretty unusual for a SE wind to stick around for this amount of time, but it seems the weather is throwing everything at us on this challenge & we just have to adapt as best possible!

By the time the support rib had bounced the replacement crew across some serious 8 foot waves to meet the celtic longboat, the decision had been made to head back into the harbour at Saundersfoot. Rowing was slow & the weather was only forecast to get worse. Another foiled attempt. Sigh.

To be fair we ended up spending the best part of 3 hours at sea, with our super first crew rowing the whole way - its just a shame it had to end in a loop back round to where we'd come from. But theres no point in getting angry at the weather - we had the chance to row with another WSRA club & see another stretch of coast in Wales from the sea plus get some more experience of big water rowing. Lots of positives there!

So tonight we're all set up in Eastern Slade Barn - an amazing holiday house on a working farm on the Gower. We're hoping to row again tomorrow afternoon BUT the forecast isn't looking too favourable. As ever, we'll keep you updated on our progress and hope that we get some serious rowing in before we get to Cardiff!