James and Jamie ....... Congratulations on a record breaking crossing and impressive facial hair. Well done!! Sunshine Solar Hey Guys, A massive WELL DONE from the Nite watches Team. We are proud to have been associated with such an adventure. Have just watched the video of the storm and the giant waves, so please don't ask us to come with you next time !!! All the best Roger Green Nite International Nite Watches Congratulations from all at English Braids. Dan Lovering James and Jamie... WELL DONE to you both - Congratulations from all at Blue Coat School Alison Thorn Well done to all of you sending messages and everyone taking part in the event Looking forward to the next race T A L L I E from SA CONGRATULATIONS to James and Jamie from everyone here at Headway Headway UK CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL INVOLVED, AND NOW DEFINITELY SIGNING OUT! Message to the BEXHILL PENSIONER Take the Old Sea Dog out for a walk. Don’t do fluffy, (no candy floss machines) just enjoy the time out! Terri Miller BRC Terri Miller, Bexhill Rowing Club I'm glad I'm not the only saddo who is still looking on here every day! I must get a life now the exciting summer is over. All right clever clogs BRIAN - winner of the quiz at The Waterfront - we did only have 3 empty brains on our table! I'm not saying a word about the boating lake. BEXHILL PENSIONER Only just caught up with the news. Congratulations to you both and to everyone else who made it possible! I guess Roy supplied British Rail sandwiches all round? Mike The photo of Anne hugging James sums up so much emotion !! An amazing achievement Janet
leave your own message / view more messages

News

Milestones and More Bad Weather

26 May 2009 18:00 BST

Whilst all of us back home in the UK have been enjoying the good weather over the bank holiday weekend, the 7 teams competing in the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009 are relieved to see the end of the adverse weather system that has hampered them and their progress since the end of last week.

 

It’s been a particularly testing time for all crews, regardless of team size and some have reported being on the para-anchor, restricted to sheltering in the tiny cabins, being constantly soaked by all that mother nature had to throw at them and being helpless to make any progress towards Mauritius, some of the lowest moments of the voyage so far.

 

This said, now that the weather system has lifted and rowing can resume, all the teams are approaching milestones of one description or another.  Pairs entry, Boat No. 6 ‘Flying Ferkins’ and the one remaining Solo entry, Boat No. 3, Old Mutual Endurance are both immanently due to reach the first 1000 nautical mile mark.  Well done guys, a huge achievement and a well deserved morale boast for both teams.

 

Towards the front of the fleet, Fours class boats, Boat No. 5 ‘Rowing for Prostate’ and Boat No. 13 ‘Pura Vida’ are fast approaching the half way mark, where they will join current race leader, Boat No. 7 Bexhill Trust Challenger in the second half of the race.

 

The boat that has made the best progress over the weekend is not surprisingly, the out of class, 8 man, speed boat entry of Boat No. 88 ‘Aud Eamus.  With a impressive previous 24hr run of 71 nautical miles and an average boat speed of 3 knots, Aud Eamus have jumped two places, snatching second place from the Ocean Angels.  They too will cross the half way mark in a matter of hours.

 

The current good progress that all the teams are making may well be short lived as another nasty weather system is forecast to move over the racing fleet by the end of this week.  So, it’s make the best of the current conditions now and then prepare the boats for another battering – all in the name of the sport of Ocean Rowing!

 

For the latest positions of all the teams taking part in the Indian Ocean Rowing Race, please go to the Progress Page on this site.

Back to News