The Team This Way Up rowing crew, which is currently contesting the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge this month with support from MotorSport Vision (MSV), has continually made superb progress throughout the Christmas and New Year period despite challenging conditions at sea.
Since setting out from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on Monday 12 December, the four-strong crew of Edward Ogden, Oliver Browne, James Peet and Jos Pape has set an impressive pace. This is despite an eventful final week of the year was eventful however, with eight-metre waves and 30 knot winds causing a number of challenges.
The crew has faced technical difficulties with electrical equipment and communications, but the turbulent conditions which have engulfed all of the competitors in the race did little to dampen spirits. The team was able to enjoy a small Christmas celebration, with secret Santa gifts and mince pies, whilst Jos celebrated his 40th birthday on the ocean.
By 29 December, the crew was approaching a distance travelled of almost 1700 miles, which put their craft more than half way across the Atlantic. Changes in shift patterns have enabled the team to counter the storms and sleep deprivation, and the crew has remained firmly in contention at the front of the race.
At current estimates, the Team This Way Up boat could reach its final destination of Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda on or around 14 January, but there is still enough distance in the race for things to change.
MSV is pleased to be supporting Team This Way Up in this contest, billed as the world's toughest row. The team aims to raise £250,000 for charity and is nearly halfway there, having already raised £113,000. You can find out more about their progress, and how to donate, from their official Facebook page. To track the race live, click here.