WOODVALE ATLANTIC ROWING RACE

The Race:                   La Gomera to Antigua in the Caribbean

Distance:                    2,500 Nautical Miles +

Time of Year:              December - February

Number of People:      6

In between the two islands of La Gomera and Antigua lies the ultimate mental and physical test: a chance to prove oneself against not only the challenges of the ocean, but against the tempests in one’s own mind pushing the human spirit to the limit.  Along the way the competitors will encounter storms, giant waves, mental fatigue, physical stresses, and possibly sharks; this will be a challenge virtually unrivaled in the sport of rowing.  With their success they push the boundaries of existence and prove that with hard work, perseverance, and teamwork, anything is possible! 

It will NOT be the first time adventurous souls have taken on this challenge; rather, the Woodvale Events Atlantic Rowing Race 2009 will be the sixth of its kind. The race will be starting in La Gomera, Canarie Islands and ending in Antigua in the Caribbean. Previous races have been held in 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2007.  Originally the brainchild of Sir Chay Blyth, a British adventurer who was one of the first to row the Atlantic, these races have given over 100 people the chance to prove themselves against the challenges of rowing across the Atlantic. Blyth successfully rowed the Atlantic in 1966 and organized the first ever ocean-rowing regatta in 1997.  The event was a huge success and a pair of Kiwi rowers won in 41 days. Simon Chalk, former and now current rower, is currently the head of Woodvale Events and now runs the races.

Leaving in December will provide the fleet with the best possible conditions, taking advantage of the predominantly southwesterly flowing current from the Canaries to South America as well as exploiting the surface current created by the favorable prevailing wind.  The race window will also avoid the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  The weather, although winter, will be fairly hot and sunny and will provide the rowers with optimal conditions for an ocean crossing.  A daily schedule of rowing 2 hours and off 2 hours has been recommended, alternating sleep and rowing.  This means the boat will always make progress and someone will always be on the look out for tankers and sharks.  Aside from rowing the team will be checking their course, taking samples of the plastic trash content, cooking up sumptuous meals of dried food and boil-in-the-bag pudding and enjoying sunsets.

For more information about the race see:  http://www.woodvale-challenge.com/