Dear all, Congratulations on a fantastic adventure. I'm so sorry the grand finale was snatched away from you, but I'm sure the previous weeks must have left you with some great memories. The rescue looked incredible - a supreme effort of seamanship from the Scandinavian Reefer and I would imagine some pretty heart stopping moments for you guys.

Best of luck with future projects, having just sailed round the world I know how hard it can be to get going on the next potential adventure. If some of you were made enough to want to have another bash at the North Atlantic and needed another set of hands on the oars then look me up! I couldn't imagine finer blokes to share it with. Best of luck, Jeremy

Bob,

this website has been brilliant!

a great piece of communication throughout. well done.

Frankie

Hi Tina:
I guess I'm just somebody who followed your journey on a daily basis. Every day I checked your site to see how far the guys had gone, the weather they had encountered the previous night and pleased because they where doing so great.

I'm happy everyone is OK. For we as Newfoundlanders know that on times the sea is very unforgiving.
Tina Bradbury

He guys,

We couldn't believe it when we heard it. So ........ close... I don't know if it helps to say that we think it is an excellent achievement and that you did a great job anyway. In our next meeting safety will be a major topic... But maybe this is something you can't plan with.

Thank god your save and able to tell the story. We will get in touch with you soon!!

Great Job!

Best regards Maarten

mark are you sure you were out there trying to row the Atlantic or were you trying to grow an afro ??

The way your carrying on you'll have more seamans tales than Uncle Albert.

Conspiracy theory No 1:-

It wasn't a freak wave that sunk your boat but you were torpedoed amidships by an enemy submarine

But seriously me, Chris and Jem and Han are delighted you are all back home safe and well. Give our love to Paula and Brianna and Victoria xXx

We will have u round for a BBQ when things have settled down. Much love Nick

I had intended to send a message of support, after reading of your feats in Jon's columns in the Times; and being something of a fan of Microwave Man.

Sunday afternoon, in fact, on my way to the gym, and aware that I hadn't done so, I bought loads of Pink Lady apples in Sainsbury's; as a kind of support mechanism. The next day, I read the news of your lucky escape.

Will make a donation to BHF in grateful thanks for your escape.

TH

This is courage in a man:

to bear unflinchingly what heaven sends.

- Euripedes

I'd better start buying that paper again once a week.

Congratulations on your remarkable journey

Hi Pete

Can't believe you've been at it again. Good to see you can't keep a true adventurer down! Good Luck for the next time!

Glad you are safe

Wendy & Neil Blackman & of course Mum and Dad

Hi gentlemen

you are brilliant! Have been following your endeavours and you have not failed you have suceeded in going where most would never dare.So near and yet so far must be hard but you have achieved so much. Well done!

Mark and crew,

Glad you are all still in one piece.

All the very best,

Huw

We've read your 'Times' accounts with great interest and even greater admiration for all you've achieved and wanted to achieve. it's great to know the human race stil produces individuals of stature beyond our own humdrum and relatively risk-free existence. We're glad you've lived literally to tell the tale and feel sure your families, friends and back-up team must all be terrifically proud of you. All the best - Miriam and Ron Naylor

congratulation guys !

i'm happy to see that you are all safe.

next time ?

yves

Glad you are all safe.

Congratulations on getting so far with your incredible journey, and bad luck that you encountered ALEX,

From me and the Freshwater East Soc & Community Association, hope to see Pete in the Longhouse soon.

Thank god you're all safe. I read the story in The Times (Aug 9th) - unbelievable story of courage and escape.

Thankfully ye all made it to terra firma safe and sound. It was the second such sinking in a week, after the crew coming from England to Newfoundland had their powerboat sunk in a storm. Ye have had quite the adventure together.

Commiserations and congratulations Jon!

Sorry your goal was destroyed so close to the finish but congratulations on surviving.

It was a big shock to see you on the news - I had no idea you were into this type of stuff.

Glad you got out in one piece.

All the best from Huddersfield.

Jonathan

Just to let you all know that you made the TV news in Louisiana, USA.

We are so sorry that the trip was ended in such a way - it must have been one of our hurricanes that got away!

Congratulations however to all on making it as far as you did.

Best wishes (to Stacy, Allen and Jennie too) from Jennie, and Bob May.

What an exciting endeavour, I've been following it in 'The Times' and and so sorry that success was snatched from your grasp this time. However, I am glad you are all safe, as my father would have said, you live to fight another day. With the strength of character you all possess you will surely be successful one day. Let's drink to that. Well done.

Christine

you're all nuts and lucky to be alive.

I have been following your expedition in the times and was sorry to hear the boat had broken up. I was about to say you are all incredibly lucky to be alive but of course it is more about being well prepared and a just little bit of luck. I speak from experience having been caught in the same area by hurricane Charlie (20 years ago)only my 25'sloop did not break up in the 40' waves I experienced. Best wishes and and well done for keeping up the Britsh spirit of adventure, long may it continue

Well done lads. You just have to know it was a freak. For the last twelve years , ath this time of year, there has not been any weather that would have stopped you. Enjoy the respite. I hope you get a chance to do it again (if you want to) but I appreaciate it will take a long time to prepare. You have been well served by the Times articles. All the best to you all!

Every day I look forward to mapping your progress. Thanks for a wonderful adverture this summer. You all have inspired me to up my daily rowing from 12K to 16K! (I very calm waters and with naps and snacks following)

Hi Mark and the Team was so sorry to hear the news this morning.... I was keeping a close eye on your progress since the start..

Its so good to hear that you all are safe and well, I'll look forward to hearing 'all' over a beer soon I hope.... Give me a call!

Keith

Jon

We have all been really concerned about you and are overjoyed that you're OK and back on terra firma. I can't contact you at the moment so give me a call when the hubbub has all died down. You can tell me all about it over a bottle of vino!

All the best

Ron

Thank god you're all safe. I read the story in The Times (Aug 9th) - unbelievable story of courage and escape.

Special message for John Wills. Well done John. It took a hell of a storm to stop you. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you have recovered.

very sorry to read of your accident and the end of Pink Lady but very very happy that you are all well.will see you for a pint soon!

regards to all,ken

Bad luck on the outcome neverthless congratulations on an excellent effort and your achievement. Well done!

Good luck for the future

Regards Peter

so pleased that you are all safe. what an incredible and lucky escape. well done.

t.p.l.

Nutters the lot of you, when are you trying for the record attempt, as you can't let a little puddle like the atlantic stop you getting into the history books...!

Congratulations guys, an amazing feat of the human spirit...!!!

don't worry ! You was great.RESPECT

ongratulations on being Alive! We were in Fenit (Tralee)Marina while you were having your trauma Best wishes

Viv and Alan

I am sorry to hear that you boat sank in the storm but I am thankful that you are all safe.

Good luck to you all now and in the future

Well done on getting so far guys! Mark - hope to see you back home soon mate!

All the best

Darren

What damnable luck. You are an inspiration to all seafarers - amateur and professional. Well tried.

James

I have just read your story in the Times and have an enormous amount of respect and admiration for you all. You were brave and courageous when faced with treacherous and life threatening situations. Congratulations and good luck for future challenges!

I've been following your journey since you set out and I am truly sorry that you didn't make the finishing line. By getting as far as you did you achieved much more in such a short time than most men can hope to in a lifetime. I am truly in awe of your courage, drive and ambition. You put your lives on the line to benefit others which makes you all heros. Thank you for keeping us entertained for the last few weeks and very best wishes for whatever you decide to achieve next.

Congratulations on successful rescue and supreme achievement. Bad luck with unseasonal weather. I Thjink a few words of praise for the captain of the reefer that rescued you wouold be in order

John

Hey guys.......phew!

So pleased you are all safe. Fantastic feat......so v. close to the dream finish, but no doubt good to be home to blighty! Good on you all....welcome back!!

william.

Good Grief! just off the boat after a weekend at Cowes preparing to take part in the Challenge Round the World. As an (ex) rower, been following you lot and was looking forward to seeing you beat the record. As someone heading out onto the oceans, I have to say you've achieved SO much still. Good luck recovering, try not to get too land sick, and thank Neptune, God, and every lucky star you're all still alive!

Congratulations to you all, I have nothing but pure unadulterated admiration for you guys and what you have achieved; I am also very pleased that you all survived it.

I have really enjoyed following your progress and reading the daily diary.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do next.

All the best,

Mark Stephens.

i am 10 and have just read your story in the Times newspaper.I think it's a shame that you didn't make it but i'm glad to hear no-one's hurt and you did really well!

Glad to hear you are all well!Jonathan, call me on your return as we must send you on holiday somewhere... Times readers need to know, where does a rescued sailor go to recuperate?!

Cath Urquhart

A brave mission - and a success despite yesterday's dramatic break-up and rescue operation because of the money it's raised and the publicity it's given to a great cause.

It also highlights the vital work our coastguard and helicopter rescue crews do every day. I'm glad that just last Friday I donated money to an RNLI collection here.

Well done guys. Go safely...

To the crew,

Well done from everyone at the British Heart Foundation (BHF). We are extremely pleased that you are all safe and well - that's the most important thing!

The BHF relies on donations to fund our work fighting heart disease. But you guys have put your own lives on the line to raise money for us, and that's an incredible thing to do. We salute your astonishing courage and bravery.

Take care, from everyone at the BHF!

Delighted you are all safe and well courtesy of the excellent seamanship of the "Peruvian Reefer". This is not the first time that Lauritzen Lines have assisted in the saving of life in the Western Approaches in a July storm. In July 1956 I was amongst a crew of cadets rescued by the "Clan Maclean" from the British sail training vessel "Moyana" which had won the first ever sail training race Torbay to Lisbon but sank in atrocious weather on her return voyage. The operation was greatly facilitated by the radio operator of the nearby "Peruvian Reefer" (Mrs Christensen) who relayed all R/T communications between the "Moyana" and the "Clan Maclean".

Many congratulations on your achievement and rescue.

Tim Llewellyn

Congratulations lads. You were so near yet so far after your valiant attempt to cross the Atlantic, we are so proud of you. The prize, your lives - that you won - enjoy. Read your article in the Times, today, and look forward to a book of your adventures. Write it for us,do. To the rescuers, 'thank you' for a great job done. Blessings to you and your families. Sincerely Mrs Dot Thorne.

Just a note to say we are so relieved you survived, so devastated that your amazing expedition had to end in this way, and so much in awe of what you have achieved and of, from what we have heard so far, the tremendous team you are and how even the in the escape to the life raft, the team worked like clock work. Looking forward to giving you an enormous hug later today. xxx Corinne

Just wanted to say to you guys how relieved we all are here that you are safe.

You have done and seen things that most of us can only dream about.

There are lots of us out here who have been following your fantastic achievement and go on and have the champagne, and celebrate.

I lost my mum to heart trouble 14 years ago on the 7th August.So i am just immensely grateful for the continuing work of the BHF.THanks guys, you did good!! We are proud to be British!!

God bless you.

Viv Sellers and family.

To all the Pink Ladycrew, all good wishes.

Not normally interested in boats, I became hooked on Jonathan's reports in the Times and my heart lurched when I heard bad news first thing Sunday morning. What a relief to hear later you were all safe. So sorry you missed breaking the record but the freak waves didn't break your spirit. Will Jonathan consider being renamed "freakwave man" in the Times?

Lois

To the Crew of the Pink Lady

So glad that you're all safe lads. So, So, WELL DONE!! You were so....close. Better luck next time eh.. Will miss the daily excitement of tracking your progress.

Best of luck for any future endeavours.

I have watched the progress of the gopinklady crew with admiration, not only for their determination but for the spirit in which they approached, and persevered with their task. This approach has been a lesson to us all. I fekt mixed emotions when I heard the news, sad that their valiant attempt was cut short, but glad that all four are safe and well. I am sure that they will try again and I will again follow their progress avidly. In a society where bravery, hardship and fortitude are no longer apparent, their efforts remind us all of who are.

Give them all our best wishes and I shall eagerly look out for news of their next venture.

Tim

Mark and fellow crew

So sorry you just missed out on the record which was all but yours but delighted you are all safe and sound. Perhaps see you soon Mark for a beer - cheers!! Love to Paula and family

shane

Have followed your progress with particular interest because my son is a delivery skipper and was bringing a boat back to the UK from Panama. He was delayed in Cuba with engine trouble and I worried about his being West of Bermuda at the end of June.

By following your news I could see what he was going through. He made Plymouth against the headwinds that delayed you. Would that you had had fairer winds too but thanks be that you are all safe.

Well done!!

Mark,

While I was at Christchurch RC years ago we helped you get into rowing for your first Atlantic crossing. I have followed your exploits with Pink Lady with a combination of pride and amazement. Sorry to hear that it has all ended when you were so close and doing so well, but I am glad that you and your crew are safe and well. Best of luck for next time!

kind regards

S.

To Mark,Paula and girls

Just a short message to say I am so glad you and the crew are all safe now. Tell paula I am sorry I didnt ring I couldn't find her number I have left it at work in my diary.

I have been watching the news.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday together. Now you can Pamper him paula!!!.

God Bless to you and all your family see you at work.

Hope it doesn't come too quickly though. I am on holiday from today until 17th.

Lots of love Andrea and Malcolm.

So sorry you guys didn't make it, and you were all so close. However, a great challenge and thank goodness you were all picked up safely. Better luck next time?

Best wishes

Joanna Weitz

Great news that you are all safe and well.

For Pete Bray. I am sure that I join with all those in Hereford who send you best wishes and also commiserations on getting so near to the goal.

Roger Sheldrake

Words fail me - I'm hugely relieved that you are alive and, by all accounts, well. I don't think I began to understand what you came through until I read Jonathan's report in the Times this morning. I'm sure that your delight in being alive is overwhelming any sense of disappointment you feel but, if that begins to creep in, I hope you remember what an inspiration your heroic voyage has been to the freinds who have watched you proudly and wondered at the stuff from which you are made.

With deepest admiration,

Tom

Courage is the foremost of the virtues (Winston Churchill)

You certainly have courage

Look forward to seeing your successful crossing next year

Well done

James

Delighted to reade that all of you are safe and congratulations on a fantastic trip which we have loved reading about; you are 4 very brave men

I've been checking in on your progress and I'm very sorry for your trouble. Congratulations on your achievements, gentlemen, and hopefully we'll see you back again in St. John's soon.

Hi Mark,

Have been observing you from Saudi Arabia. So glad to see and hear that you and the rest of the crew are safe. All the best for any future attempts.

Regards,

Dicky Bird ex DFB.

Well done all of you. Perhaps its now time to take the hint. The sea is bigger than all of us!

Devastating news men. Just remember "If it was easy, everybody would do it". Just glad you`re all safe.

Ginge, Mo, Rocky and Steve "D".

Sorry to hear mother nature threw some huge weather at you. Glad to hear that everyone is safe and sound.

Hi Mark,

Difficult to put into words how I felt for you when I heard the news of your rescue - so near, but so far. SO, so glad that you are all safe but so sad that you have lost the boat that has kept the dreams alive and happening all this while. Your endeavour and perseverance and spirit of adventure is an example to us all. It would have been lovely to have waved you ashore in Falmouth, but I am just so glad that you are safe and on your way to land - albeit a different island! There's a warm welcome waiting for you whenever you can come and collect it.

with the very best of wishes -

Gini

The most important is try. Congratulations for the team

hi guys,

well done you were so close :)

you should be very proud of what you did, i could never imagine doing anything of the sort!

proud to know you stubbsy-well done to all of you in the face such a beast-pictures look quite unbelieveable - seamanship masterclass.

So pleased to hear you are all safe and well.

Hi Stubbsy,

Was sorry to read about the bad luck so close to home. Hope you are all ok & in good spirits. You will do it one day - I know it.Say hi to Jonathan for me also. Next time come & see us in Spain & do some warm water training in the Med!! Very best wishes - Martin Deb Sarah & Amy Ward- ps cheap flights from Gatwick - come for a long weekend anytime XX

I just found out the news. Sorry to hear of the loss of Pink Lady. Like everyone else has said, glad you are all o.k.. I know how disheartening it must be to be so close to your goal that you could almost see it, just to have it taken away be things beyond your control. You guys had your act together, so hopefully we will see you again in the middle of the Atlantic sometime in the future.

Paul

Woke up and casually logged on this calm and beautiful Sunday morning - and there you were headlines on Yahoo and Sky news.

My adrenalin started to trickle and I had to make a few early calls as a couple of my friends have been avidly following you too.

I was so very pleased and relieved to log on here and find you had just been picked up and were all safe.

Just shows we have absolutely no idea what kind of ordeals people are going through under 500 miles away and how conditions change so swiftly.

I remember Bear Grylls saying at a lecture at the RGS after his dreadful North Atlantic experience, how he was met in Scotland on a scorching hot day, by locals all congratulating him and being so pleased that he'd had such perfect weather for his 'little trip'.

I hope this reefer has some accessories of the same name on board and a decent smorgasboard and not just raw herring...

So happy you're safe and many congratulations on all your many individual and team successes.

For John and the crew,

So glad you are all safe - after the radio news all day we just saw the 6pm news with you as the lead story.

We are all so sorry that you got so close only to be undone after winning out over the sea for so long.

Success or not, you are all heroes and will always be to those of us to who would not have managed even 1/1000th of the journey that you completed.

With love,

Joss, Julia and Ruth

Hi Pete, Mark, John & Jonathan, What a night we had, can't even begin to imagine what yours must have been like, we were so releived when we received the call that you were safe.Bob B has been fantastic. From the sat. pics you were nearly in the eye of the storm, we are so grateful that with all your skills that you made the right decision at the right time.

Pete, we spoke with Frank Galway this morning, he sends his best. Until we see you soon, take care.

XXXXOOOO (from the ladies)

Betty, Bob, Kim & Maegan

Hi Pete

Great news your safe,been checking on the site about the challenge over the last few weeks shame its ended this way - thats the sea for you mucker shit happens sometimes. Catch up with you when we can. Cheers buddy.

I just saw in the media your unfortunate incident with hurricane Alex. Its a shame you were so close to completing your voyage. I am glad you were all picked up OK and no injuries. A special greeting to Peter and Regards to all the crew from MRSC St. JOhn's, NFLD.

To The Crew of The Pink Lady.

So Sorry to hear the news this morning that the Pink Lady had split apart, but so glad to hear you are all safe and well. I had been watching your progress each day and was praying you would succeed.

Wendy.

John and crew - we are so very sorry you didnt quite make it. - you were so close. Very relieved to hear that you are all safe and well.We have followed your trip every day on the excellent website. John - hope to see you very soon, we are impressed with your bravery and achievenment.

All our best - Bob and 'Ron x

Right now I am having difficulty in finding the right words to describe my feelings.

Mark, Pete, Jonathan and John, you have far and away exceeded my original expectations as to what could be achieved from my sponsorship of your Pink Lady row.

You have been the perfect partners to a sponsor in that you, from Day One of my involvement, entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of sponsorship. You have given Pink Lady Apples tremendous support and I cannot thank you enough for that.

I thank you all for your determination and unwavering commitment to the job in hand. As far as I am concerned, you are ALL WINNERS. There was never a moment when you were going to call it a day, despite what wind and weather hurled at you. Few others could have survived the atrocious elements that followed you virtually from the 30 June.

But above all, Mark, Pete, John and Jonathan, I value your friendship and your huge generosity of spirit that I have been privileged to enjoy. That you are all now safe, if a little battered after a hair-raising ordeal, that is absolutely ALL that matters.

There will be time now for you all to reflect and review your aims and objectives, but certainly, if circumstances permit, I would be the first to offer my support to any of you up for a new adventure in the future.

I look forward to us all getting together for a celebratory drink or two as soon as you are up for it.

My best wishes as always

Well boys, you've done your best. We couldn't have asked for more. You are a very brave crew, and although we are disappointed that you didn't make it the whole way - it looked good there for awhile - we are extremely grateful that all of you are safe and back home.

Good luck and best wishes to you all. We will miss watching for your updates. Smile boys, you've achieved a lot!

We are so glad to hear that you are all safe. You have managed to accomplish more in 30 some days than most people accomplish in a lifetime.

So relieved to hear that you are all safe. We feel sad that you came so close to your goal. What you went through was colossal. Enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation with your brave and loving families, your friends,sponsors, and capable support team. You've given us a great adventure from the comfort of our chair in front of our PC. V

So glad you've been picked up and are safe. I've made a donation in memory of my dad who died of heart disease when he was 33.

Dear Mark, Peter, John and Johnathan, So sorry to hear the news. I have seen the Met. and conditions must have been like that of the 1979 Fastnet! Glad to hear you are safe. Best wishes. Safe trip home.

Deeply saddened for you all after so much work and effort, but more than relieved to hear that you are on a dry(?) deck

Jock

Sorry that your bid to cross the Atlantic was not successful, but very pleased to hear that you have been picked up safe and sound.

Lynn

Mark, Peter, Jonathan and John -

I'm so sorry to hear the news this morning - 8th Aug 04, that Pink Lady has split and sunk, but so glad you all managed to get into the liferaft and even better news now at 0820 on R Solent that you have been picked up by a vessel. You have all done so very well. We've been keeping up with your progress with interest, but were very concerned about the deepening Low pressure and the different wave patterns around it that would lead to confussed seas.

I have photos of Pink Lady leaving Poole Harbour, at the entrance, on her Channel crossing. I feel for you for the lose of her, but give thanks for your rescue. My thoughts are also with your support team and your families.

Regards

Frances Pouncy (Poole YC)