Ocean Angels Extend Lead from Woodvale Site May 5, 2009

Ocean Angels Extend Lead from Woodvale Site

May 5, 2009

05 May 2009 15:26 BST

On day 16 of the Indian Ocean Rowing Race, the all female Ocean Angels crew in Boat No. 13 'Pura Vida', have extended their lead over second place boat, Boat No. 7 'Bexhill Trust Challenger', to 89 miles.

Whilst all crews are now clocking up good daily mileages, some have the ability to achieve greater 24 hour runs than others. In particular, the 8 man crew, Boat No. 88 'Aud Eamus', which left Geraldton nine days after the rest of the racing fleet aims to make boat speed and performance a priority. Their last 24 hour run saw the multi-national crew row an impressive 64 nautical miles but they say they have much more to give, in their bid to cross the Indian Ocean in the quickest possible time.

As Aud Eamus begin to row through the rest of the fleet, moving ahead of Pairs Class boat, Boat No. 6 'Flying Ferkins', the crew onboard Boat No. 5 'Rowing for Prostrate' attempt to make contact with Angela Madsen from the 8 man crew, for advice on how to solve the problem with their sliding seat rails. US acclaimed rowing coach, Angela experienced similar problems during her crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in 2007. If she is unable to provide the guys with a workable solution, Rowing for Prostrate hope that Angela will be able to give them some hints and tips on the technique of fixed seat rowing.

Elsewhere in the fleet, the only solo rower left in the race, Simon Prior from Boat No.3 'Old Mutual Endurance' has taken advantage of the flat calm conditions of the past 24 hours, to make some much needed repairs to his boat. However, repairs to the stanchions were halted almost as they begun, when Simon accidentally poured the entire contents of his emergency epoxy putty over the side and down into the depths of the Indian Ocean.

As for the top pastime of the day, the crew of Boat 88 'Aud Eamus' have been amusing themselves by exposing their spotty derrieres to any passing vessels they come across. However, it's doubtful that anyone would ever notice their actions - probably just as well as their mooning is bound not to be a pretty sight and not for the faint hearted!

Easter Monday by Deb

Easter Monday, Para-Anchors, and Scilly Boys
2009 04 13

Today is Easter Monday. It is the 5th day of the Easter Holiday here in Geraldton. Most businesses (including the fabricator who is fixing our rigging plates) have been closed since Thursday. Grocery stores were closed Good Friday, and Easter Sunday and Monday. Even the bars were closed on Good Friday.

Today was the first day at the boat with everyone here. There was not as much work to do as James and Chris from Woodvale were working on the boat and we just seemed to get in their way. They were moving deck hatches (small round holes that give a place to put food and other stores). The rowing station closest to the back cabin had to be moved back (or forward as it may be---further from the back cabin) because there was no room for the rower in that position to slide and not hit the cabin with their hands.

Doug and his friend, John, worked on getting food ordered with Simon. They had to figure out the calories for each person and the weight of the food. The food for the 8 for 60 days =3 Million calories. The weight of the food will be about 600 kilograms. It will be a combination of freeze dried meals (backpacking type meals), non-cook meals and snacks to make up the 7500 calories or so each crew member will need each day.

There was training given by Woodvale on how to use para-anchors, drogues, the watermaker and how to manage their power whilst on the water. I’m sure this was very helpful, but I wasn’t there so that is all I have to say about that.

We went to the Freemason’s Bar (The official Crew Bar of the Indian Ocean Rowing Race) and ate dinner. It was the first time we had been out to eat since we got here. They have plates with hot stones on them. They serve your food raw and you cook your own on the stone. I was skeptical (imagine that) but it actually worked very well. I had a 2 inch steak and the stone stayed hot enough to cook my steak to even more than I really wanted. I realized that was why they gave you a plate to put the meat on when it was done to your specifications.

After dinner, Woodvale showed the video of the Scilly Boys rescue from June 2008. It was very interesting and nice to see a realistic look at life on the sea and what can go wrong. Simon also talked about his first Indian Ocean attempt when he capsized and had to cling to his hull for 16 hours before being rescued.

All and all a full day. I am looking forward to be able to find stores open when I go there today.

39 Days and Counting by Angela

03/10/2009
39 days and counting

Last week Deb and I hosted 10 ocean rowers from all over the US who will be doing various crossings from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans the solos, fours and two other members of our 8. It was a blast. They did the class and survival drills portion at Orange Coast College School of sailing and seamanship and I provided the on the water overnight rowing excursions. I rowed with the first group from Long Beach down to Newport. It took much less time than anticipated due to strong tailwinds. Arriving in Newport way to soon we turned and headed up wind and out to sea so we would have enough space to practice deploying and stowing the parachute anchor, taking care not to drift south of the harbor entrance when it came time to go in. It would not be easy trying to row against the wind to enter the channel. We had permission to dock the boat at the sailing center as we were going to use the boat for man overboard drills. The first rowing group got in just in time to eat and shower before beginning classes. I waited a day before taking the next rowing group out. We left the harbor just after they finished classes and rowed again upwind and out sea. We were just about to the Huntington Beach Pier and quite a few miles out. Plenty of breathing room between us and the coast for everyone to both deploy and stow the Parachute anchor. I had to make sure they got into class on time so we went back in the morning. The conditions were excellent for the para anchor for these two groups. They got it deployed and out quickly, the parachute opened and the winds pushed the boat around so that at full deployment the tow bridal on the bow clears the boat and holds the bow to the wind and the waves. It was choppy as well as windy so it was a good simulation. After the last one finished we turned and rowed in the harbor. I just managed to get them to the dock in time for the classes. Then it came time for the last rowing group but the winds were different. It began the same so I thought we would row down the coast to Dana Harbor. We headed down wind or south and offshore a sufficient amount to do the para anchor. The first rower deployed and stowed the anchor no problem so we switched and so did the wind. Conditions can change quickly but there is a lull when they are about to change. Everything was dead calm. She threw the trip line and float out and it just sat beside the boat and went no where. Then we tried the other side. Splash, float first and then trip line. Same thing happened, nothing, it sat there right beside the boat. I new it would be about 15-20 minutes and I knew this night would not be like the others. The wind had changed to favor rowing to Long Beach so we changed course and headed north with a cross tail wind blowing slightly offshore. They may not have gotten to spend as much time doing anchor drills, but the conditions posed different challenges for this group. The class room part of the seminar was over so I had more time and we ended up needing every minute of it. They had made it as far as the Huntington Beach Pier, half of the way there and then the winds changed again to completely offshore. I did have some time restrictions as they had to be at the airport in the late afternoon to catch their flights home so rather than go forward to Long Beach we changed course again and headed back to Newport. The winds were increasing steadily and making it more difficult so I opted not to stop and deploy the parachute anchor. Seeing it done twice and watching the video should give the two remaining rowers a good Idea plus I believe Woodvale added a workshop on it and will go over it with them again. We headed back into the harbor. Deb met us at the boat ramp in the back bay at Newport. We put the boat on the trailer and headed home. It was a successful seminar. Everyone learned a great deal and they are much more confident and prepared for what it is they are about to do: Row across Oceans

I may do these seminars annually when I return from rowing across the Indian Ocean if there is enough interest. Contact me to get your name on the list for information about the next one.

E-mail Msparasurfer@aol.com with your contact info and I will e-mail everyone on the contact list when there looks to be enough people.
I have to get back to making preparations for the Indian Ocean row. Pictures of the training seminar available on website PirateRow.com

Angela

Doug Tumminello's Everyman Endurance Podcast!

Doug was a guest on the Everyman Endurance Podcast. He discussed his Everest Climb, the Indian Ocean 8 speed record row across the Indian Ocean and his goal of recreating Ernest Shackleton’s desperate open-boat crossing of the treacherous Southern Ocean between Antarctica and South Georgia Island, east of the Falklands. It was a great interview! Thanks Doug!

Everyman Endurance Podcast:"From The Highest Mountains to The Deepest Seas"
By Deb

How it All Started, Woodvale Ad

Crew Wanted
Fancy yourself as a record breaker!?

Woodvale Challenge are looking for 8 courageous individuals to attempt to set the speed record across the Indian Ocean. No 8 man crew has ever rowed any ocean so this is your chance to set two records in one.

At present there are only 2 individuals who are considered to have completed an entire crossing of the Indian Ocean, Anders Svedlund said to have crossed in 64 days back in 1971 and Simon Chalk who crossed in 107 days in 2003, so the gauntlet has been set and the getting the record is achievable.

The Route:

Geraldton, Western Australia – Port St Louis, Mauritius3,100 nautical miles

The Date:

The start is scheduled for the 19th April 2009 in order to coincide with the start of the first ever ocean rowing race across the Indian Ocean the Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009.

The Boat:

The boat that will be used was designed by Phil Morrison and is 36ft long with a 6ft beam. Constructed from balsa laminate and marine plywood she is built to stand whatever the ocean throws at her. Fitted with 4 sweep rowing positions for maximum power she is weighted for balance and stability allowing her to glide through the water. Weight un-laden is around 600kg and will top around 1,200kg once all of the stores are on board.

Financial Commitment: £15,000 per crew member

Each crew member will be expected to contribute financially towards the project. This financial contribution will cover all of the project costs for the boat and crew including equipment for the boat, shipping, and food for the voyage. However this cost does not include any personal items that crew members may wish to take or flights and accommodation to and during your stay at the start and finish locations.

This is to be paid in three installments from the date of sign up in three equal amounts. Until payment is made your place is not secure in the crew. Crew members who do not pay will be asked to vacate their position and will not be allowed to start the row.

Contact us to find out more:

Tel: +44 (0) 1364 644432
Email: info@woodvale-challenge.com

- 8th July 2008
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