"In the run up to the first race in 1997, we were all naive as to what was expected of us. It was probably the best race in so far as there was not the great plethora of equipment available as there is today. We did however, have the luxury of a GPS (basic as it was) and a water-maker. Our forerunners didn't have either, and a great deal of respect must go to them for their pioneering days spent trying to collect or carry enough water to survive. With the extra communication devices freely in use today, come extra pressures on both those at sea and those left behind. When we set out, we had an EPIRB and a hand held two-way radio. If we could see another vessel, we might have been able to talk to them.

We spent many hours trying to call ships that we saw on our horizon. Even the biggest container ships did not answer us. We did not have the hindrance of sat phones and the like. I say hindrance because that is how I see them; this was especially evident during the much publicised TV show depicting Ben Fogle and James Cracknell, where any contact with home was at the very least, upsetting to both rower and home guard alike."

When we arrived in Barbados, my family were all there. The whole event was so fantastic that I cannot begin to do it justice in mere words. The friends you'll make in other rowers along the way will last forever.

Enjoy your experience! Trust your own judgement and follow your dreams. The ocean is before you both. Go for it!"



Roger G, Atlantic Ocean 1997 - 'First Woodvale race'