This is the story from the other side. The story from the supporters point of view - about 2 women rowing across the Atlantic and their welcome back to dry land in Antigua.

Like most of you, we have all been checking the website numerous times a day, until the time finally came for us to fly out to Antigua to welcome Rachel and Lin at the end of their tremendous journey across the Atlantic. There are a number of us here including Rachel's mum Janet, her aunt and uncle, Ann and Robert, Lin's dad John and her son Liam. Unknown to Rachel and Lin, Rachel's brother, Gordon and his partner, Dave also flew out to greet them.

During their time at sea, we have kept in constant contact with Rachel and Lin, so that we could ensure that we made it to Antigua in time for the girls' arrival. The planning wasn't easy at all, but with great thanks to Lin's friend Jo and Caroline at ABSAR, we were able to book a fantastic villa, very close to Nelsons Dockyard, where the girls were due to land.

The day of their arrival was a flurry of activity. The two solo men's boats arrived during the day, one of which we were able to watch. But we started with a mad dash round one of the local supermarkets to make sure the villa was stocked with everything the girl's had been missing while they had been away. Diet Coke and cold bottled water were top of the list!

With many thanks to Pete Collett's family (especially for the flares) Gordon and Dave were encouraged to walk to the headland to see the girls appear round the headland. This wasn't quite as easy as first thought as night had now drawn in, so a quick sprint back to the villa for torches was called for. The track to the headland was steep and rocky, with uneven steps placed in "strategic" positions, so wasn't the best route for a dark night.

Within minutes of Gordon and Dave arriving at the fort at the end of the headland, they could see a light shining in the distance. First thoughts were that it was a light on the rocks surrounding the narrow entry to the harbour. Then they realised that the light was slowly moving. Even better than this, it was being followed closely by another light!

Still not being sure that it was Barbara Ivy, but with anticipation and excitement building, Gordon and Dave held their breath until the faint glow of the orange ABSAR Rib could be seen. Unlike when the boys had seen the previous boat arrive, the ABSAR boat had not lit its bright orange light outside the harbour entrance, so they couldn't be sure. But as the lights came closer, the boys could vaguely make out the pale blue outline of the deck and back cabin of Barbara Ivy. After missing the girls for 76 days the sight of them getting closer didn't seem real until there was a sudden flash of light from the dots of reflective tape the girls had put on Barbara Ivy in La Gomera. They'd made it!

{mosimage}The ABSAR boat seemed to light its bright orange light as soon as the reflective tape on Barbara Ivy could be seen, but there was a waiting game until the flares could be lit. We had been told by others who had seen earlier boats arrive how important this was. If we set them off too early the girls wouldn't be able to see them and the impact would be lost. The yachts and boats closer to the mouth of the harbour had started sounding their horns and shouting to the girls and almost every word could be heard. Before long it was time to let the flares loose. The effect was magical. Apart from signalling to those waiting on the dockside, the flares lit up the sky and showed Barbara Ivy and the girls in all their glory. Emotional isn't the word for it. All we can say is if you ever get the chance to do the same, don't let it pass you by.

{mosimage}The sounds from the boats in the harbour got louder and louder and were soon joined by the cheers and horns from the waterside restaurant. The noise level was increasing dramatically as Gordon and Dave made their way rapidly back to the quay. The view was amazing and Barbara Ivy was racing in (although the girls will deny it, she seemed to be moving quicker than we expected!). By the time Gordon and Dave arrived back at the quay, the girls were a matter of feet away and the whole dockside was a mass of cheering people, flares and horns. The only word we can use is 'magical'.

Perfect steering allowed the girls to pull Barbara Ivy right up to the quayside. I'm sure this must have been extremely difficult with the ever increasing decibels from land. The first thing the girls needed to do was remove their harnesses and change into the Breast Cancer Care t-shirts they had saved for their arrival. One of the main rules on Barbara Ivy was that both Rachel and Lin would wear their harnesses at all times when they were on deck. This was a rule that we later found out had potentially saved their lives during the capsize.

{mosimage}This was swiftly followed by the girls lighting their own flares - made even more spectacular, knowing that the girls have completed this journey in order to raise money and the profile of Breast Cancer Care. The flares, although red, gave off a strong pink glow to the night sky - pink signifying support for those dealing with and surviving breast cancer all over the world.

As many of the blog readers will know, the girls used Champagne to mark special occasions and milestones along their journey. They had saved the most special bottle for their final destination. This bottle was given to them by Ainsley Harriott when they appeared on Ready Steady Cook. (Ainsley - If you happen to read this, please could they come back to tell you about their journey. They need feeding up now!) They opened the Champagne and promptly soaked each other and the waiting supporters at the same time as Amanda from Woodvale was returning the favour.  It was about this time that Lin spotted Gordon and said to Rachel "You'll never believe who I've just seen.... It's your brother!!"

{mosimage}The girls had always said that they wanted to leave the boat together. So holding hands, they were pulled onto dry land, as one, by Amanda and Lin's Dad, John.  I don't think any of us could get close enough to them as they were swallowed up by the crowd. It isn't possible to put into words the feeling of immense pride and joy to see the girls finally arrive on dry land. Before long Lin told us about the capsize and explained why they hadn't told us about it while they were at sea. There wasn't a dry eye on the quayside as they relived the ordeal, but not telling us was definitely the right thing for them to do.

Cameras were flashing all around and I don't know how the girls handled the number of questions they were being asked. The whole sensation of dry land and noise and family and friends that they had been missing must have totally overwhelmed them. Although a little wobbly and unsure of their steps, the girls managed to walk to the banners and balloons kindly provided by Breast Cancer Care (Thank you Christina) for more photos and of course, pink Champagne.

More importantly than the Champagne, the water and Diet Coke was waiting for them. Rachel's Mum, Janet, will be able to testify the problems we had getting this cold and ready for them. It isn't at all easy in the heat in Antigua!

We arranged for a taxi to take the girls and the essential equipment from the boat to the villa. Lin was struggling with her foot and ankle injuries and both were still a bit unsteady. Although there was plenty of food in the villa, all they wanted was tea and hot buttered toast! Both of these a luxury the girls had missed and talked about onboard. We heard a few more stories from the sea, before the girls attempted their first night sleeping on dry land. The stories have not ended since and we all hope they never will. We have all been with them through the highs and the lows, but only by hearing the reality can we ever begin to understand what they have been through.

It hasn't been an easy journey for the girls but I know they would like to pass on their thanks to all their supporters across the world, who have helped them through the hard times, and made the good times even more memorable. The fundraising is continuing, so please don't forget what these two remarkable women have done and think about the great work and support provided by Breast Cancer Care. There is still plenty of time to donate and every penny counts. Please tell all your friends and family about Rachel and Lin's amazing journey and the bravery and commitment that both have shown.

Now that it is almost time for us to return to the UK, we can all look back and consider ourselves extremely lucky to have been part of such an amazing challenge. We wouldn't have missed it for the world!

With thanks to all supporters of the team, Gordon (Rachel's brother)