News

Day 44 saw another 1200nm made good, 40nm per crew, including a further 79nm for Charlie Pitcher – this sees him move firmly into the last 500nm of the race and means he is almost certain to become the first solo entrant to win an Atlantic Rowing Race. He has suggested he could complete he race within 50 days should the forecast continue as it has done for the last few days, and looking at his mileage, this is a distinct possibility.

In contrast Dave Brooks has declared that he is enjoying the experience and in referring to the weather said that, “If it means staying out here for a day or ten longer then so be it, in fact the more the merrier.” Being in such a positive frame of mind is an excellent attribute to have this far into the race. Elsewhere Roger Haines cannot decide if he is annoyed or jealous at the etiquette of some Dorado’s behaving inappropriately with the hull of his boat – see his latest blog entry for more information.

Double celebrations on the fleet today, with the birthdays of both Chris Brooks on HCL Workforce 1 and James Beech on Beech Boys Atlantic. Chris, who turns 24 today and Joe are enjoying a recent surge of speed, having closed in on a couple of the pairs in front of them and will be looking to get back onto the pairs podium. James Beech turns 19, this is key because not only will he, together with his father become the fastest father/son pair should they cross the finish line before 1430 on 22 March 2010 but James will also become the youngest male to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

Peter Van Kets and Spirit of Montanero enjoyed a brief rendezvous at sea several day ago for which both crews were grateful. Certainly for Pete, the psychological boost he got not just from seeing people but also talking to people would have been significant.

The forecast remains good for the fleet, with just the 2 solos of Sean McGowan and James Ketchell at the back of the fleet suffering for the next 24 hours – by which point both will have Easterly winds and be well on their way.