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!

Clean and Upbeat from Woodvale Website May 04, 2009

Clean and Upbeat

04 May 2009 12:35 BST

It’s the start of the third week at sea and there is a common theme running through the fleet today.

It seems that two weeks in the Indian Ocean has seen the inevitable ocean rowing stench set in and for at least half of the crews and the calmer conditions has prompted them to do something about this.

So today has been shower day for the boys on boat No. 7, Bexhill Trust Challenger, Guy and Andrew on Boat No. 6, Flying Ferkins and Elin onboard Boat No. 13, Pura Vida. A fresh water shower at sea is real luxury and a chance to bath those dreaded bottom salt sores that plague all ocean rowers.

The calmer conditions have also provided an opportunity for the fleet to assess any equipment failure, breakages or losses that have occurred over the first two weeks of the race. So far the following has been reported:

Boat No 13, Pura Vida – Intermittent Power Problems.

Boat No. 5, Rowing for Prostrate - Broken seat sliders.

Boat No. 7, Bexhill Trust Challenger – Autopilot failure early on and broken foot steering.

Boat No. 9, Southern Cross – 2 broken oars.

Boat No. 6, Flying Ferkins – Low power in overcast conditions.

Boat No. 3, Old Mutual – Main EPIRB lost overboard during capsize.

Boat No. 88, Aud Eamus - Siding seat lost overboard, oars and damage to stanchions caused during knock down.

All ocean rowers need to be multi skilled, practical people and a few broken oars or a lost sliding seat will not be enough to stop them from achieving their goal. So repairs and alternative solutions have been put in place to ensure each team can continue as efficiently as they were beforehand and now that the strong winds and big swell have eased, there is a general upbeat feeling right across the fleet as good mileages towards Mauritius are now being achieved.

Good Weather and Great Spirits by Deb

Good Weather and Great Spirits by Deb May 2, 2009

I spoke to Angela and several others in the backround. The weather is better and they are heading west. Everyone seems to be in good spirits. Bernie said he was having fun! Angela says they all have sores in all the appropriate places. They are going to start a new tradition of "mooning" each boat that they pass and dropping in a fishing line. The good news is that the other boats can't actually see them, so I guess the mooning is just a ceremonial baring of the arse. Angela loves to fish, but I have yet to see her bring any fish home. In keeping with tradition, they did not catch anything on their fishing expedition. They have been hit by flying fish.

Near Capsize of Audeamus from Woodvale Website

Tony is the Race Safety officer for Woodvale and the one who handles the website. He is really doing an excellent job of providing time news on the Woodvale Indian Ocean Rowing Race 09 website. The picture above was taking in Dec 07 when Tony was scrutinizing RowofLife with Angela. The picture below was taken in Geraldton at the Freemasons; Tony is so illusive!

Ard(sic) Eamus in Knock Down Incident

02 May 2009 15:31 BST

At 36ft in overall length and with a 8 man crew, you may think that the speed entry of Boat No. 88, Ard Eamus, being substantially larger and heavier than the other six race boats, might be less likely to fall victim to the harsh conditions of the Indian Ocean, but you would be wrong.

In the early hours of Friday 01 May, Ard Eamus experienced a knock down (a partial capsize) in strong winds and heavy seas. Crew member and Woodvale founder, Simon Chalk reported the incident to Race HQ shortly afterwards.

Despite being a little shaken, all eight crew members were unharmed, but the ocean had claimed some prizes from the boat, including one sliding seat, some seat covers and one broken oar.

After some time reorganizing the deck of the boat and checking for any structural damage, the crew were back at the oars, focusing once again on their end goal – to cross the Indian Ocean in the quickest possible time.

Any capsize/knock down incident at sea, whether in an ocean rowing boat or a larger sailing yacht is an extremely dangerous and scary experience. However, each and every crew member who takes part in a Woodvale Ocean Rowing Race is required to undergo mandatory training that prepares them for such incidents.

The RYA Sea Survival Course is a practical qualification that puts competitors through simulated exercises that teach competitors how to deal with such situations and the emergency procedures that should follow such incidents. Everyone hopes never to experience a capsize or knock down but if they do, knowledge of how to deal with the situation should be second nature.

Bernie's Blog from Geraldton--Translated poorly

Bernie is a great guy and very funny. These blogs are amusing, but they don't translate as well as I would have liked. Bernie was always writing in Geraldton.

Bernie's Blog from his website Indian Challenge

Samedi 4 et dimanche 5 Avril
Ça y est, je suis en Australie. Apres 24 h de vol, c est un soulagement. D’autant plus qu’à mon arrivée a Perth, mes équipiers Angela et Brian ainsi que Debbie ( webmaster) sont la comme prévu
Il reste 6 h. de route pour rejoindre Geraldton.

J ai vu mon premier kangourou...en effet ça saute.
Le lendemain le premier contact avec le bateau a été grandiose. J’en ai encore la chaire de poule. Il faut dire que j attendais cela depuis longtemps. Les premiers moments d euphories passés tout n est pas parfait : une chance, le fabricant concepteur du bateau est là et de bonne volonté pour effectuer les modifications.
Le design (peinture) n est pas génial, mais est-ce vraiment important ?

Plus ennuyant sont les erreurs de conceptions dans notre embarcation. La moindre approximation entraînera fatigue et blessures. C’est un peu comme d’obliger un marathonien à faire son épreuve avec des chaussures taille 39 alors qu il chausse du 42 sous prétexte que le fournisseur est en rupture de stock.

L ambiance au port est un peu particulière. En effet, bien que ne participant pas à la course, nous prenons le départ en même temps que les bateaux faisant la régate. Les différentes équipes de 2 ou 4 rameurs s’affèrent tous a leur bateau. Cela ne les empêche pas de venir visiter le notre qui est un peu l attraction.
Tous ont les mêmes réactions ... Il est vraiment grand, comment allez-vous faire avancer cela . De plus, la cabine est minuscule, impossible d’être à huit là dedans.

En conclusion, les deux principales difficultés seront le facteur humain et le vent (Si il est contre ce sera difficile d’arriver en face)
Nous attendons les autres membres de l’équipage dans les jours a venir.
A nous quatre, l ambiance est très bonne et en plus ils semblent comprendre mon Anglais approximatif.
Je suis légèrement insomniaque ces jours ci. Qui a dit que j’étais stressé?

Saturday 4 Sunday April 5

That is there, I am in Australia. After 24:00 of flight, C is a relief. More especially as on my arrival Perth has, my team-members Angela and Brian as Debbie (webmaster) are as envisaged There remains 6:00 of road to join Geraldton. J saw my first kangaroo… indeed that jumps. The following day the first contact with the boat was imposing. I still have the hen pulpit of it. It should be said that J awaited that for a long time. The first moments D euphorias last any N is not perfect: a chance, the manufacturer originator of the boat is there and of good will to carry out the modifications. Is the design (painting) N is not brilliant, but really important? More annoying are the errors of designs in our boat. The least approximation will involve tiredness and wounds. It is a little as to oblige a marathonian to make his test with shoes cuts 39 then qu it fits of the 42 pennies pretexts that the supplier is in stock shortage. L environment with the port is a little particular. Indeed, although not taking part in the race, we take the departure at the same time as the boats making the regatta. The various teams of 2 or 4 oarsmen related all has their boat. That does not prevent them from coming to visit ours which is a little L attraction. All have the same reactions… It is really large, how you will advance that. Moreover, the cabin is tiny, impossible to be to eight there inside. In conclusion, the two main difficulties will be the human factor and the wind (If it is against it is difficult to arrive opposite) We await the other members of the crew in the days has to come. With us four, L environment is very good and in more they seem to include/understand my approximate English. I am slightly insomniac these days Ci. Who said that I was stressed?


Lundi 6 Avril

Aujourd'hui l'organisateur nous a refait passé une entrevue pour tester nos connaissances concernant la navigation et le drill de sauvetage. Super excitant.

A part cela, on s'occupe du bateau. J'observe les autres équipages s'afférer aux derniers préparatifs, à même le sol du quai. Une multitude de caisses éventrées débordant d'appareils électroniques, de nourritures lyophilisées et d'accessoires divers
J'observe l'océan et constate que le vent a forcit.

Notre skipper, Angel, a des craintes concernant ma perte de poids au cours de la traversée. Elle a décidée de me gaver comme une oie. Elle peut toujours essayer.


Aujourd' today l' organizer remade us passed an interview to test our knowledge concerning the navigation and the seed-planting drill of rescue. Super exciting. Besides that, one s' occupy of the boat. J' observe the other crews s' afférer with the final preparations, same the ground of the quay. A multitude of broken cases overflowing d' electronic devices, of freeze-dried foods and d' various accessories J' observe l' ocean and notes that the wind has forcit. Our skipper, Angel, have fears concerning my weight loss during the crossing. It decided of me gaver like a goose. It can always test.




Mercredi 8 Avril

Bonne journee , on a mis le bateau a l'eau pour les premiers essais; tout s'est bien passé et le bateau se comporte bien. Ceci dit, nous n'étions que 5 à bord et sans les bagages.
Il nous reste encore pas mal de boulot mais on progresse.

A part ca , il fait incroyablement chaud , chaque fois que j'entre dans la cabine, j'ai l'impression de passer dans un four a pizza.
Si c'est comme cela pendant 2 mois, je vais ressembler à une 4 saison.
Good day, one put the boat has l' water for the first tests; all s' passed well and the boat behaves well. This said, us n' were that 5 on board and without the luggage. It does not remain us yet badly of job but one progresses. Besides, the weather is incredibly hot, each time j' enter the cabin, j' have l' impression to pass in a furnace has pizza pie. If c' is like that for 2 months, I will resemble one 4 season.


Lundi 13 Avril

Grosse reunion hier soir avec le concepteur; On a du un peu le secouer parce qu'il n'avance pas dans les adaptations pour le bateau.
Donc aujourd'hui , il y a mis un coup. Il n' empêche que l'on devrait prendre le depart avec 3 jours de retard, soit le 22 avril.

On s'est occuper de preparer les packages pour la nourriture. J'en ai profiter pour en gouter quelques uns; Je m'attendai au pire...je ne suis pas decu.

De toute facon , apres la soiree inaugurale a laquelle il fallait arriver deguiser ( moi en lapin ), plus rien ne me fait peur.

Large meeting yesterday evening with the originator; One has a little to shake it parce qu' it n' does not advance in the adaptations for the boat. Thus aujourd' today, it put a blow at it. It n' prevent that l' one should take the departure with 3 days of delay, that is to say on April 22. One s' is to occupy to prepare the packages for food. J' in have to profit to taste some of them; I m' attendai in the worst case… I am not disappointed. In any event, after the inaugural evening for which it was necessary to be able to disguise (me out of rabbit), plus nothing does not frighten me.

Mercredi 15 Avril

Petit coup de blues aujourd'hui. Tous les bateaux participant à la course (ce qui n'est pas notre cas) ont été mis à l'eau. Seul le notre reste a quai. Ceci dit, on avance enfin dans les préparatifs. Il est possible que demain il soit à l'eau.
J'ai eu une demande d'interview pour une radio australienne qui a un programme en français.
De plus, j’ai eu contact avec la RTBF pour un série d'interview téléphonique.
Enfin, plusieurs chaînes de TV Australiennes étaient présentent sur le quai. On sent le départ se rapprocher.
Il semble faire beaucoup de cas de notre petite balade ici.

Small blow of blues aujourd' today. All boats taking part in the race (what n' is not our case) were put at l' water. Only ours remains has quay. This said, one advances finally in the preparations. It is possible that tomorrow it is with l' water. J' had a request d' interview for an Australian radio which has a French program. Moreover, I had contact with the RTBF for a series d' telephone interview. Lastly, several Australian chains of TV were present on the quay. One feels the departure to approach. It seems to make much case of our small strolls here.

Juedi 16 Avril

46 ans aujourd'hui...tout espoir que je devienne adulte un jour est perdu.
Apres un petit coup de mou hier, tout l'équipe s'est reprise. On a énormément travaillé au bateau afin qu'il soit prêt.
Il a fallu rehausser les slides, modifier les planches de pieds, calfeutrer l'intérieur de la cabine ( au cas ou le bateau se retourne ), prévoir de sérieuses fixations sur le pont pour sécuriser le matériel qui y reste si il y a tempête.
Enfin, l'artisan qui a fabriqué les nouveaux portes nages, les a rapportés, ce qui nous a permis de les fixer.
Tout cela étant fait, nous avons pu mettre le bateau à l'eau en fin de journée.
L'équipage étant au complet, nous avons pu apprécier le comportement du bateau. Pas de défauts majeurs, si ce n'est la masse.
L'équipage est assez homogène mis a part Paul. Par contre il a une force incroyable.
Brian et Doug s'occupent de tout ce qui est nourriture. Ils font de savants calculs pour respecter l'apport calorique et énergétique et tiennent compte de mes remarques.
Pour ce qui est des options culinaires, je suis de plus en plus sceptique.
Juste un exemple; Il m'ont fait goûter quelque chose qui faisait penser a un chips de très mauvais goût. Analyse faite, il s'agit de peau de cochon finement coupée et trempée dans le bouillon...bon appétit (Pork crackel)

46 years aujourd' today… any hope that I become adult one day is lost. After a small blow of slackness yesterday, all l' equip s' is taken again. One enormously worked with the boat so qu' it is ready. The slides should have been raised, to modify the boards of feet, to block up l' interior of the cabin (to the case or the boat is turned over), to envisage serious fixings on the bridge to make safe the material which remains there if there is storm. Lastly, l' craftsman who manufactured new the doors strokes, brought them back, which has enabled to us to fix them. All that being made, we could put the boat at l' water in end-of-day. L' crew being complete, we could appreciate the behavior of the boat. No major defects, if this n' is the mass. L' crew rather homogeneous is put has Paul share. On the other hand it has an incredible force. Brian and Doug s' occupy of all that is food. They make scientists calculations to respect l' caloric intake and energy and take account of my remarks. As regards the culinary options, I am more and more skeptic. Just an example; It m' made taste something which made think has a chips of very bad taste. Analyzes made, it s' acts of skin of pig finely crossed and soaked in the bubble… good appetite (Pork crackel)

Lundi 20 Avril

Hier ,on a accompagné les équipages participant a la course. C'était impressionnant de voir le monde présent; les familles( beaucoup d'émotion), les sponsors, la presse. ( un hélicoptère a même filmé ). Ce sera bien plus calme pour notre départ, cela me correspond mieux.
Nous avons accompagné les autres équipages pendant quelques heures, notre bateau se comporte bien dans les vagues( ne reste quelques ajustements a réaliser) .
Notre départ est reporte à vendredi matin en raison de vents contraires ( plusieurs équipages ont déjà du rebrousser chemin en raison de cette météo difficile ).
Ce contretemps nous permettra de partir avec un bateau parfaitement prêt.

Yesterday, one accompanied the crews taking part in the race. C' was impressive to see the world present; the families (much d' emotion), sponsors, the press. (a helicopter even filmed). It will be much calmer for our departure, that corresponds to me better. We accompanied the other crews during a few hours, our boat behaves well in the waves (does not remain some adjustments has to realize). Our departure east defers to Friday morning because of head winds (several crews have already to turn back because of this difficult weather). This hitch will enable us to leave with a perfectly ready boat.


Vendridi 24 Avril

La patience n'étant pas ma première qualité, je souffre de notre retard. Ayant pris trois jours de retard pour la préparation du bateau, nous avons subi la loi de la météo. Les vents étant particulièrement redoutables dans la région, il nous faut attendre lundi 27 à 6 h. du matin pour larguer les amarres.
Cela nous permet de peaufiner le bateau.
Le récit des trois équipages des bateaux ayant du abandonner laisse penser que les premiers jours seront particulièrement difficiles, raison de plus pour attendre de bonnes conditions météo.

Patience n' not being my first quality, I suffer from our delay. Having taken three days of delay for the preparation of the boat, we underwent the law of the weather. The winds being particularly frightening in the area, we should wait Monday 27 h. of the morning to release the mooring ropes. That enables us to polish the boat. The account of the three crews of the boats having to give up lets think that the first days will be particularly difficult, reason moreover to await good conditions weather.


27 Avril

Départ ce jour à minuit heure belge...enfin !! Le bateau est super prêt et l'équipage remanié aussi.
Nous avons déjà fait plusieurs sorties dont une de nuit...formidable !!!
Un petit message de remerciements avant mon départ.
Sans votre aide, votre patience et votre compréhension, ce projet n'aurait pas pu se concrétiser.
Merci donc à :
Anne , qui supporte mes extravagances depuis plus de 25 ans;
Les fils, Christophe et Vincent pour le bonheur qu'ils m'apportent;
Eric...cool frérot tout va bien;
Yves, pour toutes ses démarches et son amitié;
Patrick D. pour sa confiance et son aide;
Bruno pour son soutien moral et financier;
Amin grâce a qui je peux filmer;
Thierry et Paule qui sont toujours partant pour m'aider dans mes projets;
Sofie...sniff, sniff.
Mme Detrin, Marguerite pour les intimes;
Loretta, la plus jeune d'esprit de mes patientes;
Laurent et Charlelie pour les belles voies qu'ils créent a la salle d'escalade (infos sur le site);
Franz, président de l'Union Nautique, avec qui j'ai remporté ma plus belle victoire, aux boucles de Liège;
Christophe et Cécile M. ,qui m'ont apporté de quoi soigner ma peau meurtrie;
Bernard Bosquart qui m'a consacré beaucoup de temps, alors qu'il est débordé;
Slimane qui s'est démèné comme un beau diable;
Philippe et Cathy pour mon Ipod;
Alain et Patouche qui m'ont apporté de la lecture avant deux mois de sevrage;
Omar qui a passé des heures pour créer un site admiré de tous;
Philippe Gl, pour s'être occupé de mon cabinet;
Luc, Tonio, Jo, Paul...pour leur amitié;
A tous mes patients en espérant qu'ils patientent encore un peu;

A ma mère, qui m'accompagne chaque jour qui passe.

Toutes mes pensées vous accompagnent.

Departure this day at midnight Belgian hour… finally!! The boat is super loan and l' crew altered too. We already made several exits of which one of formidable night…!!! A small message of thanks before my departure. Without your assistance, your patience and your comprehension, this n' project; could not have concretized itself. Thank you thus with: Anne, who has supported my extravagances for more than 25 years; Wire, Christophe and Vincent for happiness qu' they m' bring; Eric… cool frérot all is well; Yves, for all his steps and its friendship; Patrick D. for his confidence and its assistance; Bruno for his moral support and financier; Amin thanks to which I can film; Thierry and Paule who are always therefore for m' to help in my projects; Sofie… sniff, sniff. Mrs. Detrin, Marguerite for the close friends; The Loretta, youngest d' spirit of my patients; Laurent and Charlelie for the beautiful ways qu' they create in the room d' climbing (infos on the site); Franz, president of l' Nautique union, with which j' gained my more great victory, with the loops of Liege; Christophe and Cecile Mr., who m' brought what to look after my ravaged skin; Bernard Bosquart who m' much time devoted, then qu' it is overflowed; Slimane which s' is démèné like a beautiful devil; Philippe and Cathy for my Ipod; Alain and Patouche which m' brought reading before two months of weaning; Omar who spent the hours to create a site admired of all; Philippe Gl, for s' to be occupied of my cabinet; Luc, Tonio, OJ, Paul… for their friendship; All my patients by hoping for qu' they have patience still a little; With my mother, who m' accompany each day which passes. All my thoughts accompany you.

And They're OFF! by Deb

Audeamus and her crew of the Indian Ocean 8 are now ROWING across the Indian Ocean. Their tracking dot should show some progress on the next update. They are rowing at about 3 knots per hour. Follow their dot on the Tracking page of PirateRow.com
Deb

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.

LA to Sydney to Perth

LA to Sydney to Perth
03/31 to 04/03

It was a whirlwind of activity in the Madsen household on the last day of March. JL Design, who was making the rowing clothing for the crew, got on a bit of a time crunch and was not able to deliver the Indian Ocean 8 crew’s clothing kits until nearly 5 PM the day of our departure from LAX. We were going through it, sorting it by crew member and packing the kits into suitcases, even as Paul came to take us to the airport. Lucas offered up Paul for our ride to the airport. We were hoping not to have a bunch of suitcases, but crew kits take space. Angela and I ended up taking three checked pieces of luggage and two carry on pieces each. Izetta Karp (Fresh Prince of Bel Air and numerous TV shows, movies and commercials) came by the house to bid us farewell. She helped with the last minute packing frenzy! We mashed everything into Paul’s car and were glad he did not have a small car. We did arrive at the airport timely and got all our heavy bags checked without incident. We flew with V Australia and it was an amazing experience. They have nice new 777 planes, good food, super employees and TV’s. Angela and I slept for about 10 hours of the flight (we had a bit of sleep deprivation for a few days before we left) and still had 4 hours to play games on the TV.

We arrived it Sydney at 8 am on 4/2. Wow, I gave up April Fool’s Day for this? After I got my rental car and Angela tried to get in the Driver’s side, all the Post Traumatic Stress came back from my Antigua time. Here too, they drive on the wrong side of the road. In Antigua it was the random goats and wild animals that presented my drive trouble, in Sydney it was the downtown traffic and one way streets. I turned on the windshield wipers every time I really just wanted to signal a change of lanes. I not sure people noticed though, as it was raining in Sydney and I am sure they just thought I was one of those rude non-signaling drivers. I just kept thinking…..”I’m turning, damn it, don’t you see my windshield wipers!”

When we got to the hotel we remembered all the things we forgot. US power strip, power converter, etc. The Sydney Marriott, Circular Quay Concierge helped us find a few stores and some food. We went to Darling Harbour and had a beer and some food. Dive bombing birds made it more like a sport than a lunch experience. They had tomato sauce, but not Caveman’s. We thought about demanding it by name, but we decided we should be in a country more than two hours before making demands.

It took me a while to get the computer up. It did not want to connect at the hotel. I was able to get some pics of Paul Cannon up on the website before we went to bed. We got up in the morning and went to the airport, without ever getting a picture of the Sydney Opera House. We got to the airport without incident, returned the car and got checked in by the nicest lady at Virgin Blue. I don’t know her name, but she was very helpful getting all the bags check and our seats moved. We are on the way to Perth now. The crew on this flight has been amazing. Michelle, Kate and Christie have really made this a pleasant flight. Angela is napping (5 hour flight from Sydney to Perth-3 hour time difference just like LA to NY) In Perth we are picking up Brian and Bernie to drive to Geraldton where we will be the next 18 days. I will take pics of us in the car. Angela and I filled up the car without passengers, so it should be interesting……

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

Busy, Busy, Busy

Busy, Busy, Busy

02/22/2009

Only 37 days till we leave for Australia and only 56 days till we begin our crossing of the Indian Ocean. I have begun what I now refer to as my, I am going to row 3,100 nautical miles in under 50 days ortho visits and medical care at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in preparation. Getting prescriptions to take care of the specific problems I could have out there which don’t include Sea Sickness TG. I have to worry more about UTI and pressure sores and stuff like that. Because I can’t feel my feet I can do some real damage. During the Atlantic I took off my brace and Franck said to me I was going to become one of his people, meaning, Amputee. My feet were mess. I did not have to cut off any of my toes rather I cut the shoe open so it could get air and dry out and take the antibiotics and it healed nicely. We have a med kit onboard but I always bring my own additions specific to my needs. I had to taper down the training as I was beginning to have some overuse issues. Since my double mastectomy for breast cancer in 2000 I hadn’t had any problems but started having problems when I was in Beijing so My doctor ordered some tests and they found some masses, so they ordered some more tests and a mammogram which I have not had to have in years because I had no breast tissue left. Turns out I regenerated breast tissue and now have to have mammos every 6months. I had to go to my cancer doc who looked at all the test results, examined me and told me the pain problems and masses are from scar tissue and over use issues. Sweet! Cancer free and good to go! I just had to knock off the inclined bench press and a few other exercises.

There have been many changes to the crew. Lost a couple of people to injuries and picked up a couple of new ones. Deb has updated all the information on PirateRow.com

The website is currently being updated on a regular basis with new information.

Time is going by so quickly and I am feeling a bit uneasy. That is not something I felt before the Atlantic crossing. Perhaps it is because of all of the changes so close to go time. Perhaps it is because I have had so much to do with the medical appointments, board meetings with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, special events and speaking engagements, organizing ocean rowing safety seminars, and trying to prepare the Rowoflife boat for the seminar and the fact that my calendar is so packed up until go day that I don’t know how I will manage it all. I always seem to manage everything well enough but I also tend to push it to the limits as well in everything I do. So far I don’t know where the limits are and have been successful at going from event to event. My life is like a marathon at times. I asked Deb what we were going to do when I stop rowing and we don’t have anything to do, like that will ever happen. Not the rowing because I may not always be rowing. It’s all the other things. Filling every minute of time during the day with something has become a life style for us. Neither one of us would know what to do if we had FREE TIME. I always say “If I sit still Rigermortise will set in”

So it is always full speed ahead.

Yesterday we entertained out of town guests Michelle Mc Candless and her friend Connie They are from Philadelphia. When I went to Philly to train for the Paralympics and had to live in my van (a sad but true story) after two weeks in my van I met Michelle and she offered me a place to stay. She is out here vacationing. Excited to be so close to Hollywood and the possibility of meeting a television personality I called my Friend Izetta Karp and invited her to breakfast. Izzeta’s Character is Will Smiths Grandma on Fresh Prince of Bel Air. We spent all day chatting it up. We wore Izzetta out and she was unable to go to the Laugh Factory with us.

The Laugh Factory on Pine Avenue in Long Beach did about 5 minutes live onstage acknowledging Rowoflife and Piraterow. I may do some events there in the future. It was a blast.

We will also have an upcoming fundraising event at the Chili’s Restaurant on March 18.

The count down has begun. The blogs will come more frequently from this point forward.

Angela Madsen

PirateRow.com

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

Indian 8 Crew Changes

January 20, 2009

Indian Ocean 8

We had our first conference call on Saturday to accomplish some crew business.
We lost 2 of the crew, Kris Goris and Jez Gordan. Reservists Jose Gomez and Adam Nutall are now called to active duty. Two more from the 32 applicants will be selected as reserves. There is possibility of a crew sponsor in the works so a proper boat name should be selected soon. Our boat number is 8 of course, what else would it be? For those who will be following online I do not know the color of our dot. For those who have never followed an ocean rowing adventure online, every boat has a number and a corresponding color of dot associated to the satellite tracking beacon. Every day people will be able to go online and track or follow our progress. People will also be able to send us messages.
The members of the crew are busy training and fundraising. The ground support staff is busy preparing the boat and Deb has been working on the website. www.PirateRow.com

Angela

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
woodvale challenge news archive