Atlantic Rowing Race 2009

The 2009 Atlantic Rowing Race is finally under way. After a series of delays, mainly caused by bad weather, 31 ocean-going rowing boats have left La Gomera in the Canary Islands. The boats will row across the Atlantic Ocean covering roughly 2,500 nautical miles to end up in Antigua.

New Wave’s Karen Phillips was there to see the start. Phillips reports:

“After all the delays to the start of the latest Atlantic Race, the last thing the crews expected when they woke up this morning was rain. Adverse weather conditions at sea over the last month mean that the race start had been delayed from the original date of December 6th to January 4th. Crew members originated from Denmark, France, Great Britain, Ireland, South Africa and the United States. They range from the youngest at 21(Tom Heal and Will Smith of Great Britain) to the oldest at 61 (Ole Elmer of Denmark) and have had to patiently extend their preparation in La Gomera.

Fortunately the rain seemed to be a good omen, and after a few showers, the sun came out to shine on the crews as they made last minute adjustments. There was an air of nervous calm as crews visited their fellow competitors to wish each other a safe crossing. The delays meant that there were far fewer family and friends than normal for the send-off, but the brightly coloured boats were supported by a good number of yachts and motor boats.

A warning hooter sounded at 13h25 and the boats jostled into position. Then at 13:30 the start hooter went followed by a huge cheer. After all the delays they were finally off. Race positions are updated every six hours on the race website (www.atlanticrowingrace09.com) and many of the crews will be posting blogs on their personal websites.”

One of the oldest competitors is solo rower Leo Rosette of the United States. Rosette attempted the crossing in 2008 but had to abort the effort to be the oldest American to row solo across the Atlantic after contracting a stomach illness. Rosette is one of six solo rowers taking part in the event.

Also rowing solo is Sean McGowan, 41 of Ireland. McGowan hopes to be the first Irish man to row solo across the Atlantic. Both Rosette and McGowan are accomplished flat water rowers.

The most number of entries is in the two-person class with 21 boats. The four-person entry includes three crews and there is a special entry of one 11-person crew. This crew is aiming to break the crossing record which currently stands at 33 days.

On the same day, 4 January, a solo rower, American Katie Spotz left from Senegal. Spotz, 22, is rowing across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to French Guiana in South America. Spotz is rowing to raise awareness globally of the need for safe drinking water. See: http://rowforwater.com/