Young rower sets sights on crossing the pond west to east
Apr 14, 2005 16: 13 EST
Less than 150 people have rowed across the Atlantic, and only 12 have rowed the Atlantic west to east. This May, 23 year old Oliver Hicks hopes to be the lucky 13th. Not only that, he aims to break the current west-east Atlantic rowing speed record. If he succeeds, he’ll also be the youngest person to row the Atlantic from west to east.
On his route from New York City to Falmouth, Britain, Hicks can expect fog and ice in the northern latitudes, 50 ft waves, and even sharks.
Riding the Gulf Stream
Hicks’ route will follow roughly the same path as the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Current. He’s hoping these natural boosters will give him an extra push towards home.
Running past the navy
If you recall a previous ExWeb story about Teddy Rezvoy’s west-east Atlantic attempt, you’ll know that weather and wildlife aren’t Hicks’ only concerns. The US Navy boarded Teddy’s boat, hauled him out, and set his boat (and all the gear) adrift.
Previously, Oliver Hicks has competed in the Marathon des Sables and the world’s longest kayak race, the Yukon River Quest. He first developed an interest in ocean rowing at age 16. Hicks will use an Atlantic challenge class rowing boat to (24.3 ft long). At least two other teams, Vivaldi Atlantic 4 and Ocean Fours, are planning west-east Atlantic rowing expeditions in 2005.
Image of Atlantic challenge class boat courtesy of www.virginrow.com
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