650NM from Antigua and Leading the Mixed Crews
This week has seen the team experience stronger winds, bigger waves, challenging shifts and some incredible daily distances.
The strong winds have helped the team cover some fantastic distances over the past week, achieving their biggest day’s rowing at 85 nautical miles! But with strong winds comes less choice and whilst the team were able to capitalise on the waves, the conditions were sending them further south than they wanted to go.
By the weekend they started to get concerned that they may struggle to get further north meaning they would miss Antigua altogether! But their weather router had it all in hand, and very soon the winds shifted slightly; thankfully meaning they were able to make some northerly progress to put them back on track for their Caribbean destination.
In the top 10 overall, first in the mixed crews
It’s been a tough week battling the conditions - the teams more manageable sleep pattern was scrapped in favour of their 1 hour on, 30 minutes off schedule, so they were all, once again, exhausted. And yet, they have made incredible progress and are currently:
in the Top 10 of an incredibly strong and competitive field.
third in the trios class.
FIRST in the mixed crews!
Harnessing the power of the waves
There is perhaps no better feeling for these hardy adventurers; surfing these helpful waves! The team time their oar strokes pulling hard just as they're at the cusp of the wave, before being rewarded by a big shove from the Atlantic ocean.
The bigger the wave, the more intense a feeling - the waves pick up and accelerate the boat resulting in widening grins on the rower's faces.
With less than 650 nautical miles left to row, in as few as 7-11 days, they'll be sat on a comfy chair drinking in the enormity of their achievement.
Just a reminder that the trio are taking on this phenomenal row in order to help provide Homes for Veterans through the charity Alabare. You can support them by donating here.
