TOILET troubles and a rotten egg have failed to deter a four-woman crew from Jersey as they continue their attempt to row across the Atlantic.
The Intrepid 232 crew, comprising Islanders Julie Brady, Helene Monpetit, Rosemary Satchwell and Alison Smithurst, have already completed more than 400 miles of the 3,000-mile crossing after setting out from the Canary Island of La Gomera last Wednesday.
As one of 38 crews taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, Intrepid 232 have made a solid start to the race, averaging almost 70 miles a day since crossing the start line, albeit not without some incidents.
Those following the Jersey-based crew via social media have learned about a “horrible smell coming from the stern cabin”, which left the rowers battling to establish the cause.
Eventually the cause was narrowed down to some fresh food that had been brought for the early stages of the race, specifically a hard-boiled egg that had rolled out of view and become stuck under the cabin mattress – where it had been squashed and gradually rotted until the smell became all too apparent.
After an apology to those who had recently eaten, supporters were then treated to another story about the blue toilet bucket being knocked over by a large wave.
Reports indicate that the crew are otherwise in good spirits, and have slightly adjusted their course to the north to take advantage of the winds blowing across their path from south to north.
Team Intrepid are seeking support from Islanders for their fundraising efforts, with money collected to be split between two causes close to team members’ hearts.
Half the proceeds will go to the Grace Crocker Foundation, which supports families while children receive medical treatment in the UK, with the remainder going to the Blue Marine Foundation, which works to restore the ocean by addressing overfishing.
The team’s fundraising page can be found at gofundme.com/atlantic-ocean-rowing-challenge-2023, while more details on the race, including a tracker for the team’s latest position, can be found online at worldstoughestrow.com.
