Shift Change for the Final Push
( Last Updated: 26-01-2008 )
The Atlantic Six now have less than 200nm to run to Antigua. To mark this milestone they have changed their shift pattern so that they row three hours on and two off, which enables them to have three people rowing at any one time. They are hoping that this will give them the momentum they need to make landfall in time to break the sculling record.
So far the four crews that have already finished and the two that are due to finish on Saturday have all had to work really hard over the last three days or so as the wind and wave conditions have proved unusually difficult. The Atlantic Six report that they expect to have the same problem. On Friday afternoon they reported a following swell but very little wind. It was overcast, very humid and, as so often for this challenge, really hard work on the oars.
One might expect the crew to be a little disheartened by this. Far from it! All those who have spoken to individual crew members over the last couple of days reported high spirits and firm resolve to complete the business in hand. "If we have to do it the hard way without help from the elements, then so be it", seems to be the collective approach.