Team Gallagher touched solid ground yesterday landing on Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands.  They rowed Moana up onto the beach, leapt out and landed on wobbly legs to a small but enthusiastic crowd.  TV3 caught the moment here: http://www.3news.co.nz/Nearly-there-for-trans-Tasman-rowers-Team-Gallagher/tabid/309/articleID/239458/Default.aspx

Rounding Cape Reinga and North Cape in the last 48 hours signalled a major turning point in the fortunes for the team.  Despite the great progress made in recent times it wasn’t enough to keep Martin Berka from leaving the boat today.  Time simply is not on his side.  Just prior to departing from Sydney he got engaged to his long time Taiwanese girlfriend.  Unfortunately, she is due to travel back to Taiwan for an extended period and with limited time to spend together he decided to do what he had to do.

The three remaining crew took on much needed food, pushed off the beach and headed for Auckland.  They are expected to arrive sometime between Friday and Sunday.  It would be great if boaties could lend their moral support and join the crew as they row down the east coast to their final destination.  They will finish under the harbour bridge then row into the Viaduct and under the ‘tilting’ bridge to the giant concrete steps near the Auckland Events Centre.