News
Week 2 Update - Settling into the rhythm
As the second week draws to a close, it is time for a brief reflection on the events over the first 14 days.
To date the fleet have made good over 12,000nm, and have completed a little under a sixth of the race. Crews have faced a tremendous ordeal coming to terms with adverse weather, high seas and close encounters with ships. But now in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean are seeing the beauty of ocean rowing. Crews are reporting in each day describing the local sea life to them and the staggering night views with clear skies, and a moon lighting up the surface of the ocean.
Crews have now settled into their race pace and as the race unfolds, naturally the crews spread out and fewer passes take place. However, as they pass the Tropic of Cancer at 23 26N from north to south they will close in on the North Equatorial Current and the stronger winds expected to push crews towards Antigua – suggesting that the race will only get quicker.
10 crews have now surpassed 500nm, of which 5 are inside the last 2,000nm and with just one official retirement, that of Limited Intelligence, this is set to be the toughest contested race in the history of the sport.
To date Charlie Pitcher in his uniquely designed boat JJ has shared the lead with Karukera and QBE Insurance Challenger. However, over the last week the pairs crews of Patience and Roberto Coin have imposed themselves onto the leading pack, having climbed 5 and 6 positions respectively to hold joint third position. The second placed solo rower, Pete Van Kets has also completed a phenomenal second week climbing 8 places and now lies in 10th position.
Several crews are now inside record pace, including that of Explore where Melanie King and Anne Januszewski are looking to eclipse the current British record for a female pair. While the Beech Boys of Norman and James Beech continue to push the current father and son record.
Britannia III are now rowing to Barbados in an attempt to beat the current Atlantic record. The crew are currently behind the record but are still in high spirits and will do all they can to get to Barbados in record time. They are soon to pass 1000nm and should reach the race midpoint in the next few 4-5 days.