NEXT, CROSSING THE ATLANTIC - The next time this site is updated, I'll have crossed my first ocean - amazing. Feelings at the moment are running high, a mixture of trepidation and excitement. A neighbour asked me last weekend, "Now that the BT Global Challenge is almost here, aren't you just a tiny bit anxious?"   Well, I've never crossed an ocean before and the longest number of days I have spent  sailing consecutively (without mooring up or putting down an anchor), has been only six days and here I am going off for seventeen days or so. I have never lived with so many people in such close proximity for any length of time.     A bit anxious? Understandably, yes, but right now, I wouldn't want it any other other way.

THE GEAR - So here I am wearing most of the kit I'll be sailing around the world in. Added to this, there's a two piece, bright yellow,  Goretex foul weather suit. Additionally, there are  boots, waterproof socks, balaclava, frostbite gloves, goggles, lifejacket, harness and safety line. Wearing all this equipment, especially when it's soaking wet, is a real workout!

THANK YOU - I can not leave this final journal before going sailing without saying a huge  'thank you' to my parents, Derrick and Vera Cox of Leicester Avenue in Cliftonville, Kent, who have been quite wonderful in helping me get organised for the 'off'. They are brilliant. Thanks too to all family, friends and supporters for your sponsorship , support and  words of encouragement.