Ocean rowing boats are made to last. They’re slick and tough, built to withstand Force 9 Beaufort scale sea state – wind up to 90km/k and breaking waves up to 10 meters.
9 m long and 1.8 m wide built of wood, fiberglass, carbon fibre and Kelvar; small cabins bow and stern for storage and for sheltering the crew.
The boats are very stable and also self-righting – in the unlikely event of a capsize, the ballast in the hull and the watertight compartments will help the boat revert in position in a matter of seconds.
For safety purposes the boats are equiped with modern technology that helps them steer, navigate, communicate with other vessels and send distress messages with their current position. The boats are also fitted with liferafts, although the boat itself is way more safe than inflatables rafts. All crew will have life vests and harnesses and will be attached to the boat at all time.
The deck is fit with rowing seats and foot plates so that your rowing would be as efficient as possible in open water. Most of your rowing strength comes from your feet, however a good core and strong arms will help you not only improve the speed but also keep you safe from injury.
We’ll be rowing at an average speed of 2.5 knots, depending on weather and crew’ fitness. Currents, winds and waves may add or substract one knot and will make it a real challenge. Fit crews may reach and maintain 4-5 knots. Either way, it’ll be a hell of a ride!
However, this is not (yet) as much about performance as it is about really immersing ourselves into a unique and complex experience.
In terms of range, a fit crew may enjoy over a 24 hours row a complete line of water horizon, with no land in sight, as well as a close look at the Costinesti shipwreck. The same fit crew may also admire the wild beaches of Vadu over a 2 days experience – that would also include 2 sunrises at sea.