As of 1 January, it's goint to be just a bit full on for our team. Buoyed up after the Ocean Rowers sponsorship seminar in December, they are confident that when compared to other teams entered in the same race, they are well ahead and doing exceptionally well. But of course this just isn't enough for our rowers and the key targets for January and February are to find sponsors to help pay for the rest of the boat, the remaining entry fees and the shipping costs.

So after a well earned rest, Lin and Rachel will be descending on the London Boat Show in early January with a vengeance! The aim being to meet up with existing sponsors to chat about progress, tie down some slightly more vague offers into firm actions and hunt out those elusive, pimpernel-like, new sponsors. It's a really heartbreaking task for the toughest, and for every 'yes' there are multiple 'no's'. so it's very much a case of thick skins at the ready... quick march!

But that's the name of the game and no one said it would be easy! There are plenty of events planned for 2007 and the dates are published in our calendar. The PR campaign will be turned up a notch with regular releases to national, local and specialist press targets.

Meanwhile the physical training also enters a new phase and the pair need to continue building up the hours on the rowing machines, keep up strength and aerobic fitness and invest in large amounts of lotion for sores! Training is difficult to fit into already busy days, but must be made 'routine' in order to be successful. Aiming for a certain number of sessions a week may mean completing two on one day to keep up the routine, or planning days off around other events. Or finding inventive ways to train when away on business! But both rowers are confident in this area as they have the experience and discipline from their Dragon Boat racing days to draw on.

In additon to this they are hoping to get some night time sailing experience - to get used to total darkness out at sea in a safe environment, and start plannin sea trials for when the boat is ready to use.

So all that really remains is to say Happy New Year to you all and keep watching this space as the challenge hots up through 2007. We hope you like the picture too - Rachel and Lin in Iceland this time last year for Lin's 'big' birthday!

Question of the month - so how does it feel now?

Both rowers had a few 'moments' over the holiday period. Knowing that if everything goes according to plan they'll be missing out on such a special time with family and friends next year, (not to mention a decent Christmas dinner!) is daunting to think about. Also, taking in the effect that this has on loved ones and dealing with the realisation that you are putting them through something really stressful too.

With less than a year to go, the pressure is on, but this team really believe that they can make the grade. It is a scary thing to set yourself up for a challenge of this magnitude and a fear of faliure is still their biggest fear as the deadline gallops closer.

The next few months are likely to be tense and fraught as the team fight for sponsorship - still crucial to deciding whether they reach the start line. It will no doubt put their relationship to the test as well, while decisions need to be made and time found from nowhere to complete essential tasks.

But they are both looking forward to a couple of days together at the boat show. Providing time for planning and preparation, reassessing goats and redefining benchmarks and achievements, the weekend should be fun and challenging, setting up the scene for the next few weeks.

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