The Run In
( Last Updated: 28-01-2008 )
At 14.00hrs GMT the Atlantic Six reported that they had less than 55nm to run. Rowing conditions were difficult as the had cross winds and cross swell that were opposing each other and making rowing difficult.
The crew were in good spirits and delighted to be almost in sight of Antigua, their first land sighting for 36 days. They had had power problems for the past few days. The cross winds were not strong enough to turn the wind turbine and they had experienced some unexpected cloud cover that reduced the effectiveness of the solar panels. On top of that the ram that adjusts their automatic steering mechanism was absorbing more power than it should and had caused them to run slightly off course for the first time in over 2,450 nm. The steering ram is now being given priority for power. This means that they are having to ration their water supply, which is not ideal in the unusually high temperatures that pervade the area at the moment.
They are hoping to make English Harbour, Antigua between 11.00 and 12.00hrs GMT tomorrow, that is 7.00 and 8.00 local time in Antigua. They can be assured a warm welcome as it will be the fastest crossing to Antigua by a rowing boat: the four recorded faster crossings all went to Barbados. There will also be other firsts but these will need to confirmed once Oyster Shack Ocean Challenger has arrived safely in Antigua.