Thomas Cremona and the crew aboard the boat ‘Sara G’ on Tuesday established a new world rowing record by covering a distance of over 100 miles (160 kilometres) for each 24-hour period over 10 consecutive days. On Wednesday, ‘Sara G’ again covered in excess of 100 miles and extended their record by yet another day.
This record has been confirmed by The Ocean Rowing Society International, the official adjudicator of ocean rowing records for Guinness World Records. The previous record was established on 15 December 2007 when ‘La Mondiale’ had completed nine consecutive days covering a distance of over 100 miles (160 kilometres) for each 24-hour period.
The 22-year old Cremona from Swieqi revealed this on his blog as he recounts the ordeal, since leaving Moroccan port Tarfaya on 5 January aboard their boat, in a bid to cross the Atlantic.
He attributes this wonderful achievement to the terrific team spirit on board.
“Rowing in unison. Supportive of each other throughout the challenges that arise from day to day - we are a force to be reckoned with! “ said Cremona.
This despite the fact that the weather has delivered a diversity of choppy waters, currents in turmoil and amazing waves soon after they started their expedition.
By today, or tomorrow, the crew is expected to pass the half-way point of their 5,100 kilometre voyage.
Rowing throughout the day is hot, sweaty work, and the night brings welcome relief with cooler temperatures. Surprisingly, most sunsets and sunrises have been cloudy, so the hope lives on of enjoying such a spectacular moment. Other spectacular moments have been the sight of birds flying low above the surface of the water, whales, dolphins and flying fish.
As a team, Cremona says that they remain focused on setting a new world record for the crossing. However they are not alone in this ambition. Competition is healthy, and this comes in the form of ‘Hallin Marine’ and ‘Big Blue’, two other boats that are also challenging the current record of 33 days 7 hours 30 minutes established by ‘La Mondiale’ on 17 January 2008.
“While aware of the competition, I can do no more than give this attempt my personal best, together with each member of our team. We are all in great form, but the weight reserves that we had accumulated in the months leading up to the departure date have been exhausted. We consume our high-calorie meals, and try to maintain adequate rest periods to continue our record-making pace all the way to Barbados!” explained Thomas Cremona whose driving ambition for the 2011 Atlantic row is to raise awareness that there is life after cancer and to raise funds for Puttinu Cares Foundation.