Atlantic Odyssey: This is the toughest expedition of my life

Welcome to the Atlantic Odyssey blog. The Independent is the proud media partner for this incredible world record attempt as a team of six men look to row across the Atlantic Ocean in under 30 days. Mark Beaumont, one of the crew on board, is writing exclusively for The Independent, direct from ‘Sara G’. You will also find a live satellite tracker and audio updates from the vessel so be sure to check back here for the latest news.

It is over a week since we saw land and we are now about a quarter of the way across the Atlantic.

I can also report that this is, without comparison the toughest expedition of my life. Maybe this expedition is particularly tough for me as I am really a land lover who never really rowed until 12 months ago. And so to be rowing in a team for 24 hours a day in a race for the world record across the constantly unpredictable Atlantic Ocean sees me well out of my comfort zone.

But the good news is that things are basically going well. We are currently 50 miles up on the current World Record after having covered about 700 nautical miles. To do this the team of six have been giving their absolute all as the weather conditions have been far from favourable. We are still hoping for the Trade Winds to pick up and give us a large helping hand across – without these we can wave goodbye to the dream of crossing in less than 30 days.

Considering the current WR had very favourable winds from their third day that lasted a few weeks, it is a credit to the team out here that we have pulled a greater distance without these ideal conditions.

In terms of life out here, there is very little to report outside of our 11 meter rowing boat. We see a cargo boat passing on the horizon a few times a day and the occasional jet far overhead, and have the odd company of the eternally airborne Storm Petrel – but apart from that there is a constant and vast blue horizon.

The full moon has meant the nights have been quite light so far and to be rowing under the open nights sky on the middle of an Ocean is something which I will never find the words to describe.

For the team, there are signs of the wear and tear. Whilst everyone is now over the initial sea sickness, almost everyone has blisters on hands or feet, Matt has a bad knee and Aodhan has been suffering from back spasms and pain. Out here there are moments on the oars that last an age, but at the same time days seem to be flying by. I am trying hard to think only about the immediate future and not the three weeks we have left. It is still too far off to be dreaming of dry land in Barbados, a cold drink, a shower and a full nights sleep.

So all in all, things are well on Sara G but it is a surreal world out here on the ocean waves – an experience which has both a lot of pleasure and pain – and if we can keep going this strong then the WR is in sight.

Listen to the Atlantic Odyssey Channel – 14th phonecast – from Matt Craughwell

Listen to the Atlantic Odyssey Channel – 15th phonecast – from Matt Craughwell

Check out Mark’s previous blogs for past phonecasts from the Atlantic.

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