An intrepid British-led crew has broken two world records for the fastest-ever crossing of the Indian Ocean in a rowing boat. The crew of the Rossiter’s Avalon achieved the longest rowing record after arriving in the Seychelles at 14:58 GMT (18:58 local time) on Thursday 7th August.
It was an eventful journey; after setting out from Geraldton, Australia on June 11, the crew, who originated from Britain, Australia, South Africa and Iceland, covered a distance of over 4,200 miles to the Seychelles in just 57 days. They managed this despite capsizing three times, losing equipment, colliding with a whale, and the evacuation of a crewman. They also dealt with hurricanes, broaching, broken oars, auto-helm failure and huge waves…
The way forward for this determined team was old fashioned manual helming for the majority of the voyage, which meant reducing the crew to five - and when a remaining crew member became injured the crew was reduced even further.
The Victoria Port Authority was on hand to welcome the Avalon, and make preparations for landfall. Family & friends of crew members went out on a pilot boat to meet Rossiters’s Avalon.
At the quayside, the crew’s amazing achievement was celebrated with champagne, and the ‘ORE’ team were formally welcomed to the Seychelles by the British High Commissioner, Mrs Lindsay Skoll and Prof Rolph Payet, Minister for Environment in the Seychelles.
The seven rowers raised thousands of pounds for their chosen charities, including Save the Elephants (to help in their ongoing battle against the ivory trade) and Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia.
Naturally, the event called for a few beers, after which everyone was off for a much deserved hot shower and slap up meal. It was great to hear that the eventful expedition had ended so successfully, and everyone at t ward would like to congratulate the determined skipper and crew!
No comments:
Post a Comment