The Worlds Toughest Row

11th December 2024 mark@pilgrimbandits.co.nz 0 Comments

Our Patron Dr. Bob Parr MBE and his wife Nicky are rowing the Atlantic, setting off from La Gomera in the Canary Islands on the 11th December 2024. The row is approximately 3000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua in the Bahamas.

The boat is called the Donald Hailey after Nicky’s father, The campaign is called “The Glimmering Sea”. You can follow their progress on Facebook @Glimmering Sea or Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aShIDEnI6VA .

We will be posting updates as we get them on our Facebook page @Pilgrim Bandits NZ and here.

Bob and Nicky are doing this row to raise awareness of our charity and to raise funds that enable us to continue to take Military and First Responders on life changing expeditions both here in NZ and abroad.

Please donate direct to our bank account 01-0811-0826420-00

 

Day 1 progress

Nicky and Bob are holding their own against younger teams, sticking with the pack, heading south to avoid some nasty incoming weather. Rowing for 2 hours then rest ,eat, sleep repeat for three months!!

Day 2

A sickly start to the day after a rough night (video from Bob on our Facebook page) As Bob says he and Nicky are not in the race and are more there for the experience. As you can see below, a long way to go!

They were visited by a small pod of Dolphins, the first of many experiences we are sure!

Days 3,4 and 5

A large Low has caught many of the teams with rolling 3m waves wind and rain, Parra Anchors are out to stop them drifting backwards. A chance to rest between being thrown around the tiny cabins! Some stunning sunsets and sunrises have been reported which will lighten the mood.

Just in,

Ship’s Log
Sun 15 Dec 24:
 
We remain safe and secure on our para anchor. About ten boats across the fleet have had to do this, but there’s a group of 6 or 7 at the northern end of the pack who are locked into this due to local conditions and the forecast. Key thing is not to get swept north… we need winds to set-in from the east like they have done further south. Life onboard is uncomfortable and tedious. We are hunkered down in our respective cabins, Nicky forward and Bob aft (where all the tech kit is). Using the bucket on deck is a rollicking, roistering challenge, with waves occasionally sweeping across the boat. Bob’s cabin took a solid chunk of water as he was getting back in earlier… he’s now enjoying a disgustingly damp mattress and wringing out his undies. TMI? Well, it’s all part of the experience! With luck we’ll be on our way tomorrow… without, we’ll still be spinning on our a
 
Received 15:35 UTC 15/12/24
Day 6 and 7
Not much to report today as no comms with the team. We believe they are off the parra Anchor and back to rowing. Judging by their progress they have made up a couple of places in the running order. The four boats above them still appear to be on Parra Anchor and making no progress or just setting off. If you have any messages of encouragement for the guys, comment on The Glimmering Sea Atlantic Crossing facebook posts and they will be passed on to the guys.
 
Day 8 and 9
Rough seas preside, having deployed a drogue to keep them going in the direction they need to, Bob and Nicky head South towards the tradewinds that will take them to Antigua. Judging by their vlogs they have had a couple of waves over the boat soaking Bob in his cabin as he was entering it! An uncomfortable night ensued! Traveling at about 1kn they have covered 52NM in the last 24 hrs. Pretty good we reckon. Show your support by donating to Pilgrim Bandits NZ. Please donate direct to our bank account 01-0811-0826420-00
 
 

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