Update: the ISC attempt is over.  Sadly, I didn't make it to Ireland - but this was not for any lack of trying.  I made it to almost half way…I could see Irish Lights illuminating the clouds! But, the rudder design wasn't up to the battering from the larger than forecast waves.  And the attempt was over when the second rudder failed.  

I was onbaord the safety boat two hours after we had started the return trip to Wales, when the Tredalo broke up, whilst under tow, and sank.

I hope that you will view the attempt in the spirit in which it was undertaken…as a bit of an adventure to support of the WBA, a great charity, that provides very important services and that needs your donations to continue on doing so…please donate in recognition of the attempt, even though I didn’t make it all the way to Ireland! 

Thank you very much.  Chris Todd.

 

Charity Details:
Thank you for supporting the Wiltshire Blind Association in their dedicated efforts to assist blind and partially sighted people living in Wiltshire and Swindon.  For further details please refer directly to their website (http://www.wiltshireblind.org).

Challenge Details:
For further details please see http://www.irishseacrossing.co.uk

I aim to walk across the Irish Sea on a unique human powered raft (the Tredalo) that has been custom built for the challenge.  It will take an estimated 40 hours to cross the 66 miles from Trearddur Bay (Nr. Holyhead) to the East Cost of Ireland.

I will be accompanied by a support boat with three crew who will be on watch rotation and who will be assisting me with navigation and radio communications.  The intention is that, with the exception of the above support, I will be self sufficient on the Tredalo – carrying all of the food, water and supplies that I will need.

Things I am not looking forward to…
1) 40 hours of continuous effort at “light jogging" pace – target heart rate of 140, ouch!
2) Pressing on through the night (or two nights, depending on the tide timings on the day we go); generally colder, reduced visual references and much harder to maintain morale
3) 40 hrs at sea trying to keep up food intake and not getting sea sick

Things I am looking forward to…
1) Finishing…
2) Drinking an ice cold Guinness on arrival
3) Raising lots of money for the WBA and the RNLI

The team is currently completing the final phases of equipment preparation and I am hurriedly cramming in as much training as I can.  We aim to go at the next available weather window.

Many thanks for your support

Chris Todd