News

And Then There Were Seven

As we approach the end of the second week of the Race, the extreme and changeable conditions of the Indian Ocean have already reduced the racing fleet to Six Race Class Boats and one Open Boat.

The weather over the past 24 hours has tested all the competitors, their boats and equipment to the limit.  Strong winds and big seas are not for the faint hearted especially when you are in the middle of the Indian Ocean in a tiny ocean rowing boat.  But for the teams competing in the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009, it’s just another day at the office.

The three Fours Class boats continue to dominate the front of the fleet but with a narrow 41 mile lead, it’s the all female Ocean Angels crew in boat number 13, Pura Vida who now take up poll position.  In true female style, the Angels have dealt with the constant drenching sessions of the past 24 hours by playing games and laughing about the situation.

The capsize incident of yesterday has not slowed down solo rower, Simon Prior in Boat No. 3, Old Mutual.  Although the conditions have calmed, time at the oars is still limited by the swell but by avoiding the use of his sea anchor, Simon has been able to ride the waves and use the conditions to his advantage, pushing him into fourth place and only 50 miles behind Fours Class Boat, Boat No. 5, Rowing for Prostrate.

To follow the progress of all the teams competing in the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009, please check the Progress Page on this site regularly.