The following is a letter sent by Tom Robinson’s Shore Team to the followers on his website TomRobinsonBoats.com. You can sign up on his site to receive these updates directly, and we’ll carry them here on OCH as well.
Saturday, Dec 10, 2022
“LANDFALL!”
Peru to Penrhyn Island. 160 days at sea. 5000 nautical miles. Time for a rest. More to come.
Yup, that it. In true/humble Tom Robinson fashion, less is more (especially after such a remarkable achievement).
We have not yet spoken with Tom, as it seems important to let him experience the joys of landfall without outside communications, but as son as we do speak with him we’ll send an update to OCH members. For now, we imagine that the reception he’s receiving is even more remarkable than the normal warm/enthusiastic/generous welcome that small remote islands in the S. Pacific are known for.
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Wolfgang Doughty says:
Neat
Martin Forst says:
Fantastic!
Trevor Burdon says:
Incredible effort Tom!
Interview with ABC Australia here:
https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/tome-robinson-row-pacific-homemade-boat/101791648
Kent Farbach says:
Congrats Tom…we’ve been following each day. Kent
Dave - SeaStorm Marine Australia says:
Tom, you rock mate! What an epic effort. Congrats on the amazing voyage so far.
I hope you are overwhelmed with the hospitality of the people on Tongareva.
Blessings!
Mace T. Coleman Jr. says:
Hi Tom,
When you relax and look out upon the ocean in the direction from which you just came, hold tight to the manner in which your inner strength and confidence remained steadfast during your lengthy voyage.
For lessons learned, that have been forged by time alone at sea will be of value to all, young and old.
As we say in the USCG AUX, “ Bravo Zulu “
Mace
Andy Erskine says:
We were so happy to see you reach land Tom, I hope you’re enjoying the simple delights of civilization, like fresh bread!
Gordon Burvill says:
Great effort Tom, my 8 and 10yo daughters and I have followed the blue dots across the Pacific, right from the start, including the last few hours before landfall. It has been a great story to inspire them to follow their dreams. Well done from Adelaide
Bill Hall says:
Uncle Sam allowed me to cross the Pacific three times—on a 510’ ship! I have thought of you in that immensity, and am so very glad you are ashore! Congratulations!
Stephen Morison says:
Congratulations! Been following since the beginning, and glad you landed safely. Well done, lad!
Brian Walker says:
Awesome row mate! Well done indeed
GEORGE Ireland says:
Dear TOM, No complaints, no whimpering, just hard core courage. I am so proud of you and I never doubted that you wouldn’t make it.
Jerry Romanski says:
Mate, what an amazing effort! As an ex-chippy and beginner rower I can appreciate your achievement. Your determination and courage is universally inspirational. Good on ya :)
Donald Morris says:
Tom, I hope you got to slept without the rocking of the boat.last night.
Be proud of what is achievable by anyone who believes in their goals.
Congratulations and enjoy your well-earned break.
Stay safe and enjoy your local hospitality.
Steve S - RestHarrow Boatworks says:
WELL DONE and congrats. Here’s a favorite quote of mine: “Don’t let your dreams be intimidate by the reality of doing”. Not sure where I got it.
Nicholas Theuma says:
Wow. An awesome achievement. Well done Tom.
David Yeowart says:
Congratulations on this epic passage so far, you have become one of the worlds great adventurers. looks like a great place to relax, enjoy.
Dave Mitchell says:
Fanbloodytastic Tom! A great effort indeed! As a fellow chippy I am sure there is no greater satisfaction than voyaging in a boat so completely of your own making. Well done Tom!
Kevin Costello says:
What’s to say but WELL DONE?! Can’t imagine where your mind is, and has been, though that long passage and now this profound change in circumstances. But I am eager to learn whenever you write about it. Congrats on lifting hearts everywhere.
Ian Kirk says:
Well done Tom and all the best from all the sailors of Macleay Island who know you and are inspired by you.
Bruce Stannard says:
Tom, your Vision, your courage and determination will inspire young and old alike all over the world to follow their dream, to realise that anything is possible iif you are prepared to focus and endure as you have done. This is an historic moment., an uplifting moment. All the more so when we grasp the fact that one so young has shown us what can be achieved. You are in safe hands among the people of Penrhyn. I’m sure you will learn as much from those gentle people as they will undoubtedly learn from you. Well done, Tom.
Ingrid Tamboline says:
Land Ho!! Congratulations, Tom, on such an amazing achievement so far! I’ve been following your progress and marveling at the capacity of your personally designed boat to carry you so far under your own amazing physical power and determination. Truly a monumental feat thus far! I hope your efforts will not only benefit you, but also inspire others in innumerable ways. Looking forward to following the next chapters of your journey! Wishing you and yours a Happy Yuletide and Happy Winter Solstice!
Jim Andrews says:
What sweet relief and joy must have accompanied your landfall !!
There is no better feeling than the respite of a temporary stop on a long arduous journey.
Enjoy yourself, Tom!!
David Dillon says:
“Do just once what others say you cannot do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again”
Captain James Cook.
Well done, young fellow. I salute you.
Bill Zimmermann says:
Congratulations on landfall Tom! I have been following your progress from afar. You have designed a lovely boat built for purpose, mastered the seamanship skills, have the strength – and the courage – to create a great story for all of us to follow. Everyone I share your story with is inspired. Enjoy your rest!
Nancy Davis says:
Wow, what an achievement … hope you bask in all of it! And after getting acclimated to your new environment, might want to get that mole checked. Wish you many more years of fun in the sun and on the water!
Mark Shaw says:
Good to see he made it safe. I am sure his legs were a bit wobbly when first touch the sand. I am sure it will take him awhile to get his land legs back.
Jonathan Lewis says:
Before you were born I spoke with Tom McClean about his row across the Atlantic and his other adventures on the sea. He talked of the joy of the solitude and his enthusiasm was infectious as well as awe-inspiring. Now I have another Tom to look up to. Bravo!
Mark Nunlist says:
As with others, I refreshed every fifteen minutes and didn’t retire for the evening until I knew you were inside the lagoon. And then I headed to a warm, stationary, dry bed with no chance of turning turtle, and a stable, non-threatening world on my awakening.
Congratulations on everything from the boat-building, preparations, mindset, physical and mental accomplishments, the whole epic adventure. I’ve been thrilled to follow your progress and thank you for allowing us through OFC to share your journey. Rest, stay safe, and enjoy yourself.
Captain Keith Korporaal says:
Congratulations Tom! Outstanding and a heartfelt thank you for taking us all along on this incredible journey‼️ 😊
Mark Fisherkeller says:
m, bravo! From a coastal New Enland sailor, with easy harbors, good water, fresh food, electronic and visual navigational aids, willing crews I am both inspired and humbled by your magnificent achievements.
Doug Hennessy says:
Tom, Congratulations on an inspiring achievement. I have been following since Off Center Harbour began sharing your story. I am a sailor in my 60s – this is one of the great nautical adventures I have seen. You are demonstrating to the world that “It’s all about the journey”. Enjoy the people of Penrhyn Island and the sand between your toes.
Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada
Samuel Norwood says:
This is a testament to your thoughtful boat building skills as well as outstanding courage and determination. Well done!
Ginny Jones says:
Turtle to the hare: ” slow and steady wins the race.” you are a winner!
Doug Bullock says:
Congratulations Tom – just an amazing effort – you would appear to be over the biggest section of the trip – after a rest and when the weather permits – enjoy the experience of finishing.
Joe Hill says:
Brilliant accomplishment Tom, relax now and have a few long walks……not much space for walking on your wonderful vessel. chwarae teg a phob lwc. ( fair play and good luck…in English)
Julian Kuffler says:
Congratulations Tom! I appreciate your spirit and tenacity. When crossing oceans is in your plan, “Start off slow and keep going”
Mark Avery says:
Amazing accomplishment Tom! I have been telling all my friends about your row! I’m so impressed with your boat and your determination. Well done!!
Mark Avery
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
Church Hindes says:
We inland mariners (Lake Champlain) are dumbstruck by the scope of your achievement.
Good going! Keep going!
DAVID DICKSON says:
Congratulations Tom on finding Tongareva, a small speck in the ocean. Thank you for showing us what determination and planning can achieve. Regards, Dicko, Lake Macquarie NSW
Arthur Winer says:
I too watched the tracker until he was safely inside the atoll. Congratulations Tom on this incredible achievement, an inspiration to us all.
Walter Allan says:
Impressive seamanship/navigation to hit Tongareva. Not to mention Tom’s rowing prowess. I look forward to the satellite call.
James Reinhard says:
Hell of a struggle to get within striking distance of Tongariva. That last bit was tough to watch and I can imagine frustrating to row. Good call to get a tow for that tiny bit.
Kathleen Roach says:
Your smile is worth a zillion words! Enjoy!!
Elliot Rosen says:
I spent two hours in front of my computer doing refreshes on the tracker until Tom was inside the bay. What a cliff hanger!