Often compared to the 4-minute running mile, a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean has yet to be completed in under 30 days. The 3,000 nautical mile crossing will demand endless rowing for the entirety of the unsupported journey to achieve an average pace of 100 miles per day. Weather complications, injuries, and equipment failure aside; it will only be possible in the best boat, with the best crew.
We are currently witnessing the birth of a "Golden Age" in Ocean Rowing. Of the nearly 300 successful ocean rows on record, 95% have occurred in the last 15 years. The trans-Atlantic record of 35 days set in 1992 stood for 16 years before a new crew in the same boat beat it by 2 days, raising the bar to 33 days. This boat, 'La Mondiale', was manned by a crew of 14 with Skipper Levin Brown. At the same time a small multi-hulled boat named 'Orca' was also making a run at the record with a crew of 4 and skipper Roy Finlay; they crossed in 35 days.
ROC Expeditions, under the direction of David Davlianidze, has taken the lessons learned with 'Orca' and infused it with the best of 'Le Mondiale' to build 'Big Blue'. The 38 foot catamaran is state-of-the-art; using the lightest and strongest materials in conjunction with revolutionary hull design she will be manned by a crew comprised of a skipper, engineer David, and 14 international rowers selected from various rowing and multi-sport backgrounds. In January of 2011 I started the crossing on 'Big Blue' from Agadir, Morocco in route to Barbados with sights set on the record. What happened over the next 53 days was far more than I had bargained for.
I could not have accomplished this adventure without the help of a LOT of people. Some Major help came from my sponsors whom I am eternaly grateful to.
The Rowing Repair Center was first and most excited to join me as a corporate sponsor. Tim Searles, President of the company, has been interested in the expedition since day one. Tim is an avid supporter of sea turtle conservation and an ocean watersports enthusiast along with being a keystone supporter of the rowing community here in East Tennessee. He's excited to be on board, and I'm happy to have The Rowing Repair Center's support. This company works hard to keep fleets of shells country wide in good repair, insuring the crews that row them have the equipment they need to stay on the water. You can learn more about The Rowing Repair Center's work at their web site: www.rowingrepair.com
ORRA has also stepped forward to partner with me as an official sponsor of my expedition. This worked great for the both of us. Private individuals wishing to contribute to my trip donated to Oak Ridge's "Big Blue Fund" and proceeds helped with financing the expedition. In-turn I am now giving back to the club by increasing their exposure in the community as well as the exposure of rowing as a sport and outlet for fitness. For more information on everything ORRA dose visit their web site: www.orra.org
Tony Sanders and my father have both been great advocates for the outdoors, hunter education, and are members of the Highland Sportsman's Club. Tony host a radio show in Chattanooga on 102.3 FM had I've had the great pleasure of joining them for a couple interviews. On his web site you can listen to the archived shows; I was in studio 8-8-09 and called in on 11-7-09. Check out these past shows and the rest of Tony's content at his site: tonysandersoutdoors.com
