The Atlantic Rowing Race

Date: 20 January 2006

The population of the Atlantic has now decreased by two as James Cracknell and Ben Fogle set foot on dry land yesterday for the first time in 50 days.

Having won their category in the epic Atlantic Rowing Race, James and Ben arrived in Antigua looking exhausted, hungry and relieved as they were reunited with their families.

Just a few days earlier, it seemed their journey was destined for an untimely and unpleasant end as enormous waves unexpectedly hit and propelled Ben 100ft from the boat into the waters of the Atlantic. A sleeping James woke to find himself upsidedown in the tiny cabin without his partner. It wasn't quite the alarm call he had been expecting!

Ben managed to struggle back to the boat, he is still not quite sure how but James's frantic screaming of his name may have had something to do with it - we'll have to wait and see. The shocked and battered pair gathered themselves together to continue in their quest - albeit without a satellite phone, sea anchor or charts.

Meanwhile, at home, Steve has been willing the intrepid pair on as they rowed their way through 2931 nautical miles from the Canaries to the Caribbean. Sending a message of congratulations, Steve said, "This is a feat of great magnitude. I couldn't be happier to see them arrive safely. I have just sent a message to congratulate James - I am really looking forward to seeing him. I'm going to ask him to join me for a run when he get's back - I am not sure I will be able to repeat his response!"

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

James and Ben:
http://www.2meninaboat.com/
Atlantics Rowing Race:
http://www.atlanticrowingrace.co.uk/

And spare a thought for Becky Thorpe and Steph Temperton who still have over a 1000 miles to go in their challenge as they raise money for the Steve Redgrave Trust:
Becky and Steph:
http://www.makingwaves2005.org/
To make a donation:http://www.justgiving.co.uk/makingwaves2005

Jacqueline Alexander

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