Photo credit: explorersweb.com
Since the last update on ocean rowing expeditions, all teams in the Atlantic have successfully completed their journeys, and two new crews have commenced their adventures in the Pacific.
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Dash: This year’s Atlantic Dash, which is described as an ocean-rowing regatta, featured four teams embarking on a grueling 5,000km journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua, starting on February 1 and concluding on March 26. While the organizers highlighted that the event was not a race, the teams arrived at the finish line in close succession, with all completing their rows within a span of just 26 hours.
Waves to Awareness, managed by duo Ruby Coates and Steffan Evans, claimed the top spot. They were followed three hours later by solo rower Gary Hutching, who reached Antigua’s Jolly Harbour. The team called Row For It, consisting of Neil Glover, Peter Ross, Darren Smith, and Nick Southwood, completed their journey the following day, with the all-female crew Cruising Free—made up of Sophie Pierce, Janine Williams, Polly Zipperlen, and Miyah Periam—arriving soon after.
Annasley Park (UK): On March 28, Annasley Park, a solo rower from the UK, concluded her Atlantic row after an impressive 54 days, 14 hours, and 14 minutes traveling from the Canary Islands to Barbados. Initially facing challenges such as seasickness, inclement weather, and equipment issues, Park adapted her route in response to shifting weather patterns. Despite encountering difficulties, including being stuck on a para-anchor, she persevered and ultimately navigated through a severe squall on the final stretch to Barbados.
Pacific Ocean
Seas the Day (UK): Jessica Rowe and Miriam Payne kicked off their ambitious journey from Peru to Sydney, Australia, on April 8, aiming to cover 14,000km across the Pacific within six months. The two had met during the 2022 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge—now branded as The World’s Toughest Row—where they fostered a friendship that led to this joint venture.
They had intended to start their expedition in mid-March; however, various delays related to customs and a stress fracture in their boat’s hull pushed their launch back to April. During the initial days, they faced challenging conditions with minimal wind, eventually leading them to deploy their para-anchor. Unfortunately, severe weather conditions damaged their rudder, prompting a return to Peru for urgent repairs before they can resume their quest.
The Maclean Brothers (UK): Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan MacLean, three Scottish siblings, are also undertaking the Pacific crossing from Peru to Sydney. In 2020, they achieved a record-breaking feat as a three-man crew across the Atlantic, completing their journey in just 35 days. This time, they aim to replicate their success by covering the Pacific distance of 14,000km in 120 days, working in two-hour shifts to maximize their efficiency and target a new record by finishing 42 days quicker than the current benchmark.
The brothers set sail shortly after Seas the Day and, in their first week at sea, have navigated the usual difficulties, such as seasickness and sleep deprivation, while quickly regaining their appetites. Despite minor setbacks, including salt sores and a temperamental autohelm, they remain focused and have made the most of their journey, even planning to honor Lachlan’s 27th birthday with celebratory meals aboard their lightweight, 280kg carbon-fiber boat.
Source
explorersweb.com