07 Dec 2011
Record Holder to Abandon 2001 Transatlantic Crossing
Rob Hamill, record-holder for the fastest transatlantic two-man crossing in a rowing boat may be forced to abandon this year’s race because of a broken hand.
The accident occurred as the former World Champion and Olympic rower went to the aid of a woman who was being assaulted by a man in Tenerife, Spain last Thursday. X-rays have shown that Hamill has a broken knuckle that may require surgery. He has told Channel 3 news in New Zealand by phone that he gives himself a “10% chance of participating” in the race.
The New Zealander, along with the late Phil Stubbs set the record of 41 days to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1997.
He was to pair up with Auckland policeman Steve Westlake this year for the Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge that starts on October 7. New Zealand national rowing representative, Matt Goodman is flying to Tenerife to replace Hamill if he is unable to start.
36 two-person teams, from 13 countries, will line up in Tenerife this year. The crews row in identical 7.1 metre (24 foot) boats that were specifically designed for this race. It is expected that most teams will take from 50 to 100 days to make the 4,600 km (2,900 miles) crossing to the island of Barbados in the Caribbean.
Worldrowing.com will bring you regular updates on the progress of the transatlantic crossing.