Safehaven Marine’s Frank Kowalski and his team on the Rockall-rounding challenger Thunder Child are closing in on their vital refuelling pit-stop at Broadhaven in Mayo, and expect to be at Ballyglass Pier about now, as their speed has gone up to 45 knots.
Conditions going to and from Rockall were at times distinctly bumpy. Although the wind has fallen light, Thunder Child’s speed is such that a moderate leftover sea state can frequently cause her to be airborne. Even with the very special shock-absorbing seats in the air-conditioned crew module, an almighty thump now and again is inevitable.
Despite this, her distance recorded at 26 hours and 40 minutes is 1560 kilometres, and once re-fuelling is completed, she will proceed with what is expected to be increasing speed towards completing the circuit at the Old Head of Kinsale.
The Thunderchild crew on the current Round Rockall & Ireland Challenge are (left to right) Peter Gurgul, Ian Brownlee, Ciaran Monks, Frank Kowalski, Mary Power and Carl Randalls
