So, how are the Atlantic rowers getting on ?

Gales test resolve of Atlantic rowers

12 December 2011 | Worldwide 

Storm force gales are proving the latest challenge to a team of six soldiers battling to row across the Atlantic.

The Row2Recovery team set off last Monday from the Canary Islands - one of 17 teams that are part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The six-man team includes four amputees who are determined to row the 3,000-mile journey to Barbados.

Four of the team's members lost limbs during service in Iraq or Afghanistan and the attempt, named Row2Recovery, is hoped to raise £1 million for wounded soldiers.

This morning they were back in 3rd position, with 2,165 miles to go!

They have already raised £604,535 and the final amount will be distributed between three military charities: Help for Heroes, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) and ABF - The Soldiers' Charity.

In their latest website blog – Day Five - Ed Janvrin writes: “The weather has increased significantly over the past 24 hours and we’re in the middle of a force six gale which is making the rowing conditions pretty punchy to say the least.

“There is a big swell and we’re having to work pretty hard, although the strong following wind means we are covering some significant distances.

“With both auto helms breaking within three days of leaving after getting wet (what is that all about by the way? Auto helms for rowing boats that break when they get wet…grrrr) we’re having to use the foot pedal or fixed hand steering which means we are one rower down when the conditions get really heavy.

“We had a chance meeting with Atlantic Four on Sunday which was absolutely bizarre in the middle of the ocean. We bobbed up on the crest of a wave and spotted them about 30 feet away– with their sea anchor out – hankering down against the elements. We couldn’t resist the opportunity to try and destroy their morale so we contacted them on the radio and basically abused them for five minutes about them losing ground on us! Cruel, but all’s fair in love and ocean rowing!

“On the injury front, we’re monitoring everyone really closely and making sure any problems that are emerging are dealt with. Rory had quite a nasty blister which we lanced and is now in much better shape, although his stump is getting quite sore so he’s been doing a fair bit of rowing from the fixed position used by Neil.

“All of us are suffering salt rashes on our back sides with the emergence of small red spots the tell tail sign. Thanks to our “sew to recovery” team back on La Gomera our seats are holding up well!

“We needed a major admin session yesterday because both cabins had become absolutely foul. We managed to improve the conditions on board significantly which has been a good morale boost.

“We’ve also discovered the world’s most disgusting freeze dried meal. We’re not sure what it is yet but it basically tasted like a mackerel milkshake! Alex described it as ‘gastronomic genocide.’ I agree.

“All in all we are finding it tough, but loving every minute! Thanks again to everyone who is supporting us and following our progress. We appreciate it so much. Till next time!”