Welcome to the second edition of our watery warblings!

Things are moving on apace now as a fair old snowball effect seems to be taking hold. It feels a bit like being on a runaway train, but there's no getting off this one now!!

It's been a hectic month for us with sponsorship follow ups and a variety of other preparations. Last week was spent in Devon at the Woodvale Events HQ to do our Ocean Yachmaster and Sea First Aid courses - which we both passed with flying colours! Although it was a very intense and difficult few days, we managed to get our heads aorund it and completed all exam questions within the 2 hours time limit.

We really enjoyed spending a week together, immersed in all things ocean rowing, and our fears about what seemed to be a highly technical course were justified, but overcome! We didn't want to appear complete idiots, but it was a proper week of 'back to school' and we had to behave ourselves due to the amount of homework that we got every night.

We also had a very enthusiastic and productive meeting (in the bar at Harvey Nicks no less!) where we met up with the Accelerate team. Accelerate support and work with the automotive supply chain industry in the West Midlands. The programme is 10 years old this year and they have chosen to support us as their 10th birthday charity. They are keen to get behind us over the coming months and launch us as their chosen charity to customers and partners.

We felt that they completely understood where we are coming from and are really looking forward to working with the team on a variety of projects. It's so important to use to experience this kind of enthusiasm as it's what feeds us and drives us on in our huge task.

On top of this our corporate mailing is in production and our exhibiton panels are being put together as we speak. We're getting incridible support from so many people and to be honest, it's really humbling stuff.

To finish off an busy month, Lin and I have both had our first 'proper' rowing races in March, and although very different to what we'll be doing next year, it's really nice to think that we've improved enough within our rowing clubs to be able to race. Make sure you check out the website too - we've updated the blog with 'Tales from Iceland'.

Anyway, that's all for March. More next month - unless we forget what we learnt on the course and get lost somewhere on our travels by following the wrong stars!!

Question of the month - Do the boats really self-right?

Well the simple answer is Yes. Providing that the cabin hatches are closed and there is sufficient ballast below decks, a capsized boat will self-right in just a few seconds, even with both rowers inside the cabin!

The boats have been specially designed and built to cpe with life on the ocean and although they're made out fo marine plywood, have proved to be remarkably robust and perfect for the job. Several boats in theis year's race suffered a 'knock-down' or capsize, but popped backup like little corks! From what we can tell, those who experienced problems were those whose hatches were open at just the wrong time.

To help convince ourselves, we spoke to the boat builder, Justin Adkin at RA Boat Builders in Exmouth. Having just completed the race in one of his own boats, he's completely happy with the designa nd explained aht it's been thoroughly tested with forces capsizes. If you look under 'The Boat' section of the website, you'll be able to see the design and some more information about the boat.