Team Seasoar are halfway across the Atlantic and surging forwards in the World’s Toughest Row! Now sending regular voice messages, we love receiving the daily updates from the team. Temperatures have been heating up, particularly in the cabins, hitting 40°C at times! Although spells of little wind, flat seas, scorching sun and high humidity have made progress difficult, we’re delighted to hear Team Seasoar are battling ahead.
In a recent update Niall’s told us that there’s a new, positive energy onboard after receiving a visit from a passing yacht, plus reaching the halfway point in the race! Listen below to get the lowdown on life on the boat.
Marlin mayhem!
On Boxing Day, another team in the fleet, Team Graft, survived a major marlin attack! Fortunately everyone was ok but boat repairs meant a three hour delay. Growing up to 16ft long, these giant fish pose an increasing threat to all ocean rowers. Travelling at great speeds their long, pointed bills can easily pierce not only the hull of the boats, but also do damage to crew members themselves!
(Credit: www.freepik.com)
Luckily so far Team Seasoar have not yet spotted a marlin but are remaining alert! As Jason explains below, marlin hunt in the day so it’s unwise to spend daylight hours in the cabins. These are vulnerable spots as closer to the water. The team have been careful to clear barnacles from underneath the boat. Whilst slowing the boat down, they also attract hungry fish. In turn, a tempting meal for larger, more threatening creatures from the deep!
Marlin attacks were a rare event until 2020, but since then a few boats have been hit. ‘Oardrey’ herself suffered an attack both last year and the year before. Safety is paramount so our guys are now staying alert, and sleeping on deck, whilst one rows and another steers. With limited rest, we’re so impressed that spirits are still high and they’re also picking up the pace!
A shout-out to all ‘Seagulls’ worldwide!
We’ve absolutely loved to hear Sam Weber taking a break from the oars halfway across the Atlantic, to record a ‘shout-out’ to Brighton & Hove Albion fans (nick-named ‘Seagulls’), and rising star Charlie Tasker! Go Sam!
Sam’s also officially offered a wager to club chairman, Tony Bloom, that his mid-ocean ‘shout-out’ comes from their most remote fan! We’ll keep our eyes peeled to see if Tony takes the bet!
An unforgettable experience
So far this World’s Toughest Row Atlantic race has apparently seen it all, including 16 broken oars, a capsize, damaged autohelms, electrical issues and more! Not forgetting a marlin strike, 3 marlin bumps, whales, dolphins, sharks, a turtle rescue, tons of flying fish and stunning bioluminesence lighting up the nights. Whilst two teams were sadly unable to continue the race and are back on dry land, it’s clearly already been an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
(Credit: Shark Bait Socials)
A huge thank you to family, friends and supporters
Whilst rowing the Atlantic, the men have an enormous amount of time to reflect more deeply on life, thinking about family, friends and everything that’s important in their worlds.
We know that behind each rower are loved ones, friends and supporters who have gone above and beyond to help prepare the team for this race. The Lyme community so appreciate everyone’s support.
We cherish the bond we’ve formed with Team Seasoar, their families and friends, and are so grateful for any opportunities this giant fundraiser may bring. Thank you so much everyone. You are simply the best!
(Credit: Andrew Carnegie)
Next steps
Lyme disease patients desperately need:
- improved awareness within the medical profession;
- more reliable testing;
- swifter diagnosis;
- better treatment protocols (particularly for previously misdiagnosed or undiagnosed late stage cases); and
- more research into the disease.
Show your support
- You can send a brief message to Team Seasoar! This is a gruelling endurance race and we know that your words will mean the world especially when the challenge feels particularly tough.
- Sponsor Team Seasoar via their website at £20/mile to help support Lyme Disease UK and our future plans to fund meaningful research into the disease.
- Track Team Seasoar and follow and share their adventures at sea via their social media accounts.