FOUR Islanders rowing across the Atlantic have now covered more than 1,000 nautical miles – putting them on course to reach the halfway mark later this week.
The team – Intrepid 232 – have battled rough seas and strong winds and are now on the lookout for marlins, after the speedy fish, which have spear-like bills, recently pierced the hull of another boat.
Julie Brady, Helene Monpetit, Rosemary Satchwell and Alison Smithurst set off on the 3,000-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua on 13 December.
As one of 38 crews taking part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – dubbed the “world’s toughest row” – Intrepid 232 made a solid start to the race, averaging almost 70 miles a day.
That daily total has recently halved to around 30 to 40 miles as challenging winds from the south and south-west slowed the team. The wind was expected to switch to a more favourable direction today.
In an update on social media, the team celebrated the new year by hitting 1,000 nautical miles, which translates to roughly 1,200 miles.
A spokesperson for the team wrote: “What a start to the new year that is! And what a crazy place to spend it: 1,000 nautical miles from land, in a tiny boat, only powered by their arms!”
The spokesperson added that the crew remained on the lookout for marlin strikes after another competing vessel named Vibe the Wave had an unexpected visitor on New Year’s Day.
The blue marlin struck their vessel, piercing the hull in three places, and the boat had to be supported by the safety team. All crew members were safe.
The spokesperson added: “The Intrepid crew are making good progress and seem to be very positive in what little communication we have had. They are extremely positive and excited to be there still.”
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 protect 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.
