December 2018, and Kev, Frankie and Nic travelled to La Gomera to see the 2018 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge set off.The Buoys spent time with some of the 2018 Teams, both at their boats where they were deep in preparation, and at the Blue Marlin Bar (pictured here with the wall of Graffiti from past rowers) where some of the pre-Race celebrating was going on!

Since the last blog, Bucks Buoys have had two fundraising events, begun their ‘in boat’ training, learned about navigation, first aid at sea, seamanship and radio skills at the RYA courses in Teignmouth, and decided on a name for their boat.

In June, at the Double Diamond Scooter Club Rally in Towersey, near Thame, the team raised funds by holding an Ergo Sprint challenge; fastest man and fastest woman to 500 metres.

It’s been a very busy time for the Buoys since the last blog. The Team have been training tirelessly at David Lloyd Clubs developing their yoga skills at Iyengar Yoga Shala High Wycombe and rowing at home on their Concept 2 rowing machines. Already they are feeling fitter and more determined than ever to meet the Challenge before them.

Our story begins in January 2018 when Kev, Frankie and Trev were in Antigua for Kev’s beachside wedding to his fiancée Sara. The group took a taxi to Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour in the last few days of their stay in Antigua, and met the Atlantic 4 crew, a Romanian team who had just completed the race and were unloading their boat under the watchful eye of Carsten, the CEO of the Challenge.