It must be said that, of all the things I could take with me, a boat would be fairly useful. Without one, it would be more of an Atlantic Swim. I don't like swimming very much. I'm going to take a boat.
I'm very proud to be taking Pacific Pete with me, an experienced veteran of the Atlantic Ocean. Since being built in 1997, it (should it be "he" or "she"? That's one of the important questions I hope to answer during my trip) has crossed the Atlantic four times, spending over 8 months at sea. Who is this "Pete" I hear you cry (next time please try and be a bit quieter. Your neighbours will start to complain). The boat is named after Peter Bird, the first man to row solo across the Pacific Ocean, who tragically died while attempting to row the Pacific the other way. More information can be found here.
He's (that's my current preferred gender) about 23-foot long and 6-foot wide, with small enclosed areas at the front and back (or bow and stern, if you want to be like that). One of these areas will contain me (some of the time), and the other will contain some of my food and supplies. I hope we'll meet across the divide fairly regularly.
The boat has been designed to self-right in case it capsizes (which there is a fairly good chance that it will at some point during the trip). I hope they've got it right. On board there will be satellite navigation equipment to warn me of approaching speed cameras (that Neptune's got a lot to answer for) and to point me in the right direction. There will also be a satellite phone (you see, it's all satellite these days) so that I can keep everyone updated of my progress, or not, as the case may be.
There's lots and lots of other stuff on board which, it must be said, is vital. But it's not very exciting. Who really wants to hear about water-makers and stoves and iPods (actually, I quite like iPods, but that's another story altogether). Just imagine a big bath, with a seat, and two little houses, one at the front and one at the back. It's a bit like that, only different.
There's also a 10-screen cinema, showing all the latest releases in glorious technicolour.
If you want to sponsor any equipment, or even provide me with something you have lying around (you know what foot massager you never use? That'd be great), you're too late! But still, all donations will be gratefully received (you know those ill-gotten gains you have lying around? I'll take them off your hands, no questions asked!).
I'm aiming to raise £20,000 for FARM-Africa. To help me reach this target, and to find out how to get involved, please 
