The Atlantic Rowing Race

Date: 9 January 2006

Billed as the race that allows entrants to 'achieve the unachieveable', the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005 is well underway and Steve has more than a passing interest in the progress of this gruelling challenge.

Boat number 7, playing host to the appropriately named team 'Making Waves', is populated by two determined women rowing across the Atlantic in aid of the Steve Redgrave Trust.

Steve names the boat 'Marion' for Steph and Becky

Becky Thorpe and Steph Temperton, both experienced calm water rowers, are currently in the middle of the Atlantic after being inspired by Ellen McArthur's successful bid to sail round-the-world single-handed. Someone must have forgotten to tell them that Ellen, whilst rising to a phenomenal challenge, benefitted from both the wind and advanced boating technology whilst Becky and Steph are destined to rely solely on their physical fitness and a pair of paddles!

Undeterred by the enormity of the task, the winning partnership, who each have a host of rowing medals to their name, have embarked on the 2,550 nautical mile challenge to raise money for Steve's charity. Having left La Gomera in the Canary Islands on 30 November 2005, Steph and Becky are now around the half way mark en route to the final destination in the West Indies.

Steph and Becky

Steve is keeping a check on their progress at http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk as well as keeping an eye on the performance of one of his former teammates, James Cracknell.

James is rowing with Ben Fogle, the TV presenter, travel writer and adventurer. Currently in fourth place, James and Ben are making great progress and are approximately 800 miles from the finish.

UPDATE: 10 JANUARY 2006

Becky and Steph have now passed the halfway mark. With 10m waves washing over them, one boat sunk and two other rowers swept overboard (all safe), the girls were "stood down" overnight. After a very wet and cramped night without sleep, the battle to find the Antigua sunshine commenced again this morning.

Please take a look at the following web sites for further information:

Becky and Steph:
http://www.makingwaves2005.org/
James and Ben:
http://www.2meninaboat.com/
Atlantics Rowing Race:
http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk/
To make a donation: http://www.justgiving.co.uk/makingwaves2005

Jacqueline Alexander

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