| Spain. Close start for Atlantic Rowing Race 2005 |
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| Wednesday, 30 November 2005 | |
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Teresa Page: At 1205 hours GMT on Wednesday 30 November 2005, 26 courageous teams from all around the globe set off from La Gomera, Canary Islands at the start of one of the worlds most extreme endurance events, the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005. On the morning of race start day, the marina was a hive of activity and emotion with competitors busily packing away sentimental keepsakes into their tiny boats and saying final goodbyes to their loved ones. Excitement, apprehension, adrenalin and the desire to get going were just some of the feelings and sensations clearly evident on the faces of the 58 competitors taking part, but perfect weather conditions forecast for the next five days will help the rowers settle in to a routine. At 1130 hours GMT, the first of the rowing boats left the marina, Boat No. 14 Atlantic Prince, closely followed by the rest of the fleet. At 1200 Hours GMT, a five minute Woodvale preparatory flag was hoisted onboard official start boat and primary support vessel, ‘Aurora’ allowing the fleet to strategically position themselves on the start line. At 1205 hours GMT, the Woodvale flag was dropped to indicate the start of the Race by three times Atlantic Ocean rower, Graham Walters, coinciding with a sound signal operated by the president of La Gomera, Casimiro Curbelo. First across the start line was Boat No. 14, Atlantic Prince rowed by Dan Darley and Richard DeWire closely followed by Devonshire based Boat No. 24, All Relative and then single handed boat, Boat No. 5, Pacific Pete. The celebrity team of BBC 1 presenter, Ben Fogle and double Olympic Gold Medal rower, James Cracknell were not far behind the first three, crossing the start line in fifth position. With a following wind of 18 to 20 knots from the NNE, the conditions on race start day were perfect for an exciting sprint start and the fleet overall left the shores of La Gomera at an average speed of 2.5 to 3.5 knots on a heading of 190 true. Once passed the second support vessel, ‘Sula’ positioned some three miles off shore the teams were clear to take their preferred course across the Atlantic Ocean bound for Antigua. After a three day delay to Race start caused by adverse weather conditions, this day has been a long time coming and the culmination of two years hard work and dedication towards succeeding where many have failed. For Race organisers, Woodvale Events Ltd this is a particularly momentous occasion being the first ocean rowing race to be run under the company name. Woodvale Events Managing Director, Simon Chalk comments: “I have been so impressed by the very high standard of teams that we have participating in this years race and how well prepared they all are. 2,550 nm and approximately 55 – 60 days at sea now lay in front of the teams but every single one has an equal chance of winning the race and achieving a life long goal”. www.atlanticrowingrace.com |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 30 November 2005 ) |
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