News

We have received a number of queries into Race HQ concerning why Boat No. 5, ‘Rowing for Prostate’, as the fourth boat to finish the Indian Ocean Rowing Race have provisionally been awarded second place.  As an explanation of the race placings, we have posted the following information for the perusal of all readers who visit this site.

There were ten official race starters in the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009, plus the out of class speed record attempt boat, 'Aud Eamus'.  Aud Eamus was the first boat to arrive in Mauritius with the quickest crossing time but doesn't qualify for a race position as they were not an official race entry.

The next boat to arrive in to Mauritius was 'Bexhill Trust Challenger' who were the first race entry and having passed post-race scrutineering without receiving any rule infringement penalties took first place.

The next boat to arrive in Mauritius was 'Pura Vida', who unfortunately due to very strong southerly winds as they made their approach to Mauritius were pushed north and were unable to cross the official race finish line.  As such they do not qualify for a race position, however they did still manage to cross the longitude of the finish line unaided, therefore still qualify as the first all female team to row across the Indian Ocean unassisted.

This then takes us to 'Rowing For Prostate' who were the forth boat to arrive in Mauritius, and having successfully crossed the finish line have provisionally been awarded second place.  Confirmation of their race ranking will only be possible once their post-race scrutineering has been completed.  The race rules are designed with safety as the priority and contain the penalty of dropping a race position should certain rules be infringed.

We trust this helps clarify the situation.