Ocean Rowing: Roz Cancels Retirement To Row The Atlantic

I meant to post this news earlier in the week, but other things kept getting in the way. Better late than never however.

Over the past few years we've followed Roz Savage as she systematically crossed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans solo and completely under her own power. When she wrapped up that Indian Ocean crossing last October, she also announced that she was hanging up her oars for good. Late last week we found out that retirement isn't exactly in the cards just yet. Last Friday Roz posted a story to her website announcing her intentions of rowing the Atlantic Ocean, although this time she won't be going it alone.

Rower Andrew Morris had already been planning a crossing of his own that he had dubbed the Olympic Atlantic Row (OAR) as he, along with fellow rower Mick Dawson, had hoped to paddle across the North Atlantic and arrive in the U.K. in time for the start of the Olympic games in July. Mick had a conflict of schedules however and was forced to pull out of the project. Who better to take his place than Roz?

So, the plan now is to begin the ocean crossing May. The journey will cover 2587 miles (4163 km) and take roughly 60 days to complete. Crossing at that time of year won't be an easy one, as cold weather, heavy fogs, icebergs, and other dangers will conspire to provide plenty of challenge. But we know that Andrew and Roz are up to the task and it should be another good adventure to follow this spring when they set out from St. Johns in Newfoundland, Canada and begin their journey east.

Good luck Andrew and Roz!

GB Row Challenge Returns In 2013

2013 may sound like a long way off at this point, but lets face it, 2011 is all but over and 2012 will come and go before we know it too. With that in mind, its never too early to start planning for a big adventure the year after next. And if your dream has always been to compete in an incredibly tough rowing race, I've got just the event for you.

The GB Row Challenge is gearing up to return in 2013, and teams will want to start planning and preparing now. The 2000-mile lone race begins and ends at the Tower Bridge in London and consists of a non-stop, unassisted circumnavigation of Great Britain. The teams of four rowers will face harsh winds, rough seas, crowded shipping lanes, and unexpected storms, as they attempt to join the very exclusive club of people who have finished this race. To date, only eight have done so.

The 2013 edition of the race will begin on June 1st and will pit teams against one another in three categories: pairs, fours, and eights. The entry fee is set at £4,000 (roughly $6250), with a prize of £15,000 ($23,466) going to the winners. Cash prizes are also awarded to the second and third place teams as well, and a special bounty of £30,000 ($46,960) will be paid out to any team that sets a new speed record in the race as well.

So just how long will it take to complete the GB Row Challenge? The current record for a men's team is 26 days, 21 hours, and 14 minutes. The ladies have taken a bit longer to row around Great Britain, covering the same distance in 51 days, 16 hours, 42 minutes. Remember, those are the record times. Be prepared for it to take longer.

So, if you're up for a little fun on the water in 2013, and have a penchant for punishment, you may want to consider entering this race. All you'll need is a little determination, some physical preparation, and a good boat!