Posted: Jun 20, 2005 11:40 am EDT
The boys are going well:

20thJune 2005. 1200bst. 4601.0000N,02940.0000W,0M

"Our next major milestone was passed at 6.05 am June 20th 2005. Debate will always ensue as to exactly where half way is, is it half way in miles, half way in degrees etc. etc. For us, after discussion with Lee Bruce, our weather router, it was the 30 deg West mark that got the vote."

For once nobody rushed to get off the oars

"So in darkness, drizzle, cold and 20knts of SW wind the half way point was crossed and is already moving steadily behind us. For once nobody rushed to get off the oars at 6am, and Rob and Steve were more keen than usual to get out and row. I think we all fancied being on the oars for that ''MOMENT IN TIME".

Georges porridge was close to perfect

"Of course we're well aware of what's left to do. This adventure is far from over, there will be many challenges to face before Falmouth is in sight. But please indulge us this small celebration of a major step on our journey home to you all. Not sure if it's a coincidence or not but Georges porridge was close to perfect this morning."

Yours Aye, The Crew.

The Atlantic Four departed May 31, from St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada onboard "Naturally Best", intending to set a new record for route Canada - Europe, by finishing in Falmouth less than 55 days later. Their 29 foot long boat will be faster than traditional ocean rowing boats because it has been designed with a radically streamlined hull that has a minimum wetted hull area. The team made a first attempt three years ago. After three weeks at sea, their boat’s rudder was ripped off during a storm, and they had to be picked up by a passing ship. The Grand Banks and the ice flows will work against the team, pushing them back towards the North American coast. The first week of rowing is most crucial, as this is when the team must escape those dangerous currents before reaching the Gulf Stream which will help to carry them home. Team members are: Rob Munslow, George Rock, Nigel Morris, and Steve Dawson (with Garry Smith in reserve).They are using Contact 3.0 software to provide live images and updates of their expedition.

Ocean Fours departed May 27 from Atlantic Highlands NJ, planning to set a world record by rowing to the Scilly Islands (UK) in an 11.1 meter (34 ft) long boat in less then 55 days. After this journey they will row to their home city, Rotterdam. The team members are Dutch Gijs Groeneveld, Robert Hoeve, Jaap Koomen, and Maarten Staarink. They are using Contact 3.0 software to provide live images and updates of their expedition.

Oliver Hicks departed on May 27 2005 at 14:30GMT from Atlantic Highlands NJ onboard an Atlantic challenge class rowing boat (24.3 ft long), intending to reach England in 62 days or less, thereby breaking the USA-Europe solo Atlantic record. Oliver will become the youngest rower (23) to attempt the 3,000-mile crossing.

Previously, Oliver Hicks has competed in the Marathon des Sables and the world’s longest kayak race, the Yukon River Quest. He first developed an interest in ocean rowing at age 16. He is using Contact 3.0 software to provide live images and updates of their expedition.

Frank Samuelson and George Harbo, two Norwegian immigrants and fishermen, rowed with an eighteen foot skiff ‘The Fox” in 55 days from New York to the Scilly Islands. The ocean rowing pioneers ended their trip in Le Havre. They hoped to cash in on the lucrative lecture tour circuit and make their fortunes. But they ended up with two medals and had to return to fishing. George Harbo died in 1908 and Frank Samuelson in 1946. Their record of 55 days has yet to be broken for that particular route.

 EMAIL   PRINT   SHARE   TEXT