Almost in time for Christmas! Fantastically awesome Pacific Solo Row t-shirts – get them while they’re hot!
T-shirts available – support the row!
New supporter: WP Engine
What’s that? The site loaded in a flash? Well we have some news…
We’re very pleased to announce that WP Engine have agreed to support Elsa by hosting her site! WP Engine offer a fantastic fully-managed WordPress hosting solution, that should speed up the site considerably, and make our poor overworked Campaign Manager’s life a great deal easier.
Here’s Steve’s take on the move and on WP Engine’s provision:
I was a little apprehensive about moving Elsa’s site to another host – I’ve had nightmare experiences in the past trying to shift personal sites and had long periods of downtime, which wouldn’t be great at this time in Elsa’s campaign. But WP Engine’s clear and straightforward migration guidelines and tools worked perfectly.
Now we’re here, the difference is astonishing. The work that WP Engine does behind the scenes means that pages are loading in about a fifth of the time they were before, and the effort I had to spend on securing and optimising the site has vanished! I’d recommend WP Engine to anyone hosting a serious site who wants slick performance with minimal effort.
Thank you to WP Engine for supporting Elsa – we’re really appreciative! Check out their site for more info about hosting your WordPress with them.
New sponsor! Blockchain.info jumps on board
We’re extremely pleased to announce that Blockchain.info is Elsa’s newest sponsor, and the first to have their logo featured on the boat!
Our visit to and presentation at the London Bitcoin Expo not only bore fruit in the generous private donations from individuals, but also gave us the chance to meet a variety of Bitcoin-related entrepreneurs, one in the form of Blockchain’s CEO Nicolas Cary. He was very enthusiastic about the Row, and took the time to speak to Elsa despite having an imminent flight to catch!
Blockchain.info is Bitcoin’s most popular bitcoin wallet and block explorer – a place to keep your Bitcoins and to investigate the transactions and processes that go on behind the scenes of the newest and fastest-growing currency. Haven’t heard of Bitcoin? Check out this brief intro.
About the row, Nicolas says:
“The team at Blockchain.info proudly supports Elsa’s historic journey. We wish her calm waters and safe passage.”
Thanks!
Elsa is still searching for supporters and sponsors, in Bitcoin and the rest of the world, and we have an exciting boat-related announcement in the near future!
JBP PR and Parliamentary Affairs: JBP backing solo row bid
JBP PR and Parliamentary Affairs: “We like people who are up for a challenge and like to prove that nothing is insurmountable. We wish Elsa every success in her fundraising efforts and preparations for the race.”
Funded by Bitcoin?
Hi all,
I’ve been supporting the Row from behind the scenes so far, and Elsa’s mentioned me in a couple of posts, but today I’m venturing out from behind the curtain with an interesting development.
I’m not sure how many readers of this blog will have heard of Bitcoin, but it’s becoming increasingly established and is on track to shake up the finance and commerce world in a big way. The introduction at WeUseCoins sums things up in a much clearer and more concise way than I could.
I am fortunate enough to have converted a few pounds into Bitcoins a few years ago, and the value of these is enough to fund a small but not insignificant portion of Elsa’s campaign. In looking further into how to go about this, I realised that there could be some mutually beneficial aspects that could both support Elsa and raise the profile of Bitcoin even further.
Today we’re launching a Bitcoin-focused facet to Elsa’s fundraising campaign. We’re actively seeking out sponsors willing to donate BTC, and to support our utilisation of these funds – some suppliers may be amenable to accepting the currency, others may not quite be there yet, and wish it to be converted to local denominations.
***UPDATE: our first Bitcoin has been donated!!! Thank you so much to our kind donor! Check out the donate page for a running total!***
We’re going to be speaking and exhibiting at the London Bitcoin Expo this Saturday, thanks to fantastic organiser Alex – come along, or if you know any organisations or people that will be there please point them in our direction!
I’ve put together an open letter to the Bitcoin community, which I’m going to be tailoring and sending out to organisations in the coming weeks. If any individuals or organisations are interested in discussing this further, please email me at btc@elsahammond.com.
Thanks for reading,
Steve – Campaign Manager
Bristol Post: Elsa set for solo row across the Pacific
Bristol Post: “When it comes to personal challenges it doesn’t really get any tougher than this. A student from Bristol is planning to take on the Herculean task of rowing single-handed across the Pacific Ocean.”
MBA Polymers: “a brave and enterprising attempt”
MBA Polymers: “a brave and enterprising attempt to highlight a growing environmental problem”.
GOOD Hemp Nutrition: Elsa Hammond – Rowing the Pacific Ocean
GOOD Hemp Nutrition are supporting Elsa and have featured her on their site as a GOOD Hemp Hero.
Everyone Active: Make Sundays Special Initiative
Bristol South Swimming Pool, Easton Leisure Centre and Henbury Leisure Centre support Elsa.
Bristol Green Capital: Elsa’s amazingly big Pacific challenge!
Bristol Green Capital: “Bristol is proud to be waving good bye to resident Elsa Hammond as she sets sail for the biggest adventure of her life… We wish her the best of luck on her oarsome adventure!”
Elsa Hammond 