I was all set to come in and write about how the day had been almost perfect, with no small part played by the weather. But then it did what it always seems to do; it pushed it one step too far.

The winds and the waves have been gradually building over the last few days. Personally, I think this is great as I’m a big fan of them, as long as they’re going the right way. And, at the moment, they pretty much are. Today, the winds have been reaching nearly 30mph, with waves to match, and it’s been brilliant. Unlike yesterday, where rowing was hard work, today’s was much better, and I could easily increase the already substantial speed.

So, unsurprisingly, progress has also been good. I’m being a bit of a chicken and not rowing in the dark (having said that, apparently this bit of ocean has a warning that boats should stay away tonight, and that doesn’t just apply to ocean rowing boats!), but I packed up having ached my 24-hour target with three hours to spare. Which was nice.

But then, as I was preparing my dinner, it was all spoiled. Having carefully got everything prepared, I was just about to put it on the burner, when I looked up to be greeted by a towering wall of water. Most of the waves pass by without much drama, with the odd one giving you a bit of a shower. But every now and again, along comes a really big one that makes you think it could do some damage if it caught you right. This was one of them.

I instinctively grabbed hold of something as it engulfed the boat, and let it do its stuff. But this isn’t just any boat - this is Pacific Pete! After a fairly large rock back and forth, we were sat back as though nothing had happened. But it turned out the ocean was cleverer than that. In an attack analogous to someone slashing your tyres, or perhaps murdering your family - the second is probably closer in magnitude - the wave had somehow left me almost entirely bone-dry. However, on my right, the radio (not waterproof today) had given a little squeal before going silent and, on my left, my saucepan of food was now full to the brim with sea-water. I was not impressed.

But what can you do? I guess, after all the help it’s given me this week, I had to pay the price sooner or later. I’m now settling myself down for a rough night. I’ve worked out that if I sleep side on, I’m wedged in so tight, I barely notice the rocking. Let’s hope it works!