Just a brief update for everyone on Sam’s behalf. He’s in good form, covering the miles and heading south west. His boat and equipment are behaving themselves and until today the winds have been light so he’s had a gentle introduction. It’s meant things have been a bit slower than he’d like but he’s covered nearly 100 miles already and the winds are freshening so he’ll be happy to start moving a bit more quickly.

He was a little seasick to start with but nothing major. The main excitement was the need to get away before the weather changed but the port authorities were delaying on the clearance, so he had to “do a runner” and hope they didn’t take offence and chase after him to bring him back.

Listen out for him on BBC Radio Wiltshire around 8am each morning this week (equipment willing) and then hopefully weekly after that.

And remember those messages of support - he really appreciates them.

Kit