On the 4th of June 1966, Chay Blyth and John Ridgeway rowed out of a small fishing harbour in Cape Cod on the North American coastline and after an epic 92 day journey consisting of 50ft waves, hurricanes and even sharks, they arrived safely in Ireland to become the first people to row across an ocean in the 20th century.
Inspired
by this historic crossing, the ocean rowing race concept was born. The
inaugural race took place in 1997. To date 141 courageous people have
achieved the ultimate in human endeavours. Only 14 women have ever completed
this trip and so Tori will be endeavouring to become the 15th and quite
significantly the first Canadian woman ever to achieve this feat. Only
two Irish people have ever completed this voyage so Paul would be aiming
to join this elite group. To put this in context, over 1800 people have
climbed Mount Everest, only 141 have ever completed the transatlantic
row.
The race is organised
by an English company called Woodvale Events. More details on the race
and indeed the organisers are available on their website (woodvale-events.com).
The central theme to the race is obviously safety. In that regard, there are several support boats that go with the fleet to assist any of the competitors who need backup at any time over the course of the race.
Each competitor boat is obliged to carry a GPS system, VHF radio, an EPIRB as well as many other safety and communications equipment to ensure the safe and successful crossing of all teams in the race.
| Projected Costs | ||
| Euro | ||
| Race Fee | 22,000 | |
| Boat & Equipment | 35,000 | |
| Custom made boat trailer | 2,000 | |
| Shipping costs to Canaries and return from Antigua | 10,000 | |
| Flights and Accommodations pre and post race | 6,000 | |
| Stores (food and supplements for 90 day voyage) | 4,000 | |
| Courses taken (Sea Survival, First Aid, Radio Licence, RYA Ocean
Yachtmaster) |
1,300 | |
| Total | 80,300 | |
