The expected ‘BIG STORM’ hit the fleet on Wednesday, sending the rowers into their cabins to wait it out. Although Peter van Kets is further South than most of the other transAtlantic rowers, he hasn’t escaped the storm. With his para anchor out to steady the boat and limit northerly drift, Pete is watching movies and resting his body, while his boat is jostled by wild seas and winds. Many boats, depending on their position, could be on para anchor until Tuesday.
Pete’s daily postings on his website – www.own-your-life.co.za – are short and interesting. Now, after almost 25 days of rowing, he is in 9th place overall (position is based on longitude; Pete started off by heading mostly south and then turning West) and in second place in the solo category behind Charlie Pitcher. Charlie’s boat is designed to ‘sail’ with the wind. He made good early progress but is being reeled in by Pete when the wind is not blowing from behind.
Pete is not losing much distance from drift, while he sits in his cabin; but he isn’t gaining much either. Once the storm passes he’ll be back to rowing day and night. He’ll still be out there for another 40 to 50 days, so the race really has barely begun. Tactics and weather (and, of course, endurance) will continue to play a big role in positions.
Join Pete’s ‘Row, Pete, Row!’ Facebook group too for regular updates.